Will Smith has now resigned from the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts & Sciences after slapping presenter Chris Rock on stage at last Sunday’s event.
The incident comes after Rock made a joke about Jada Pinkett Smith’s hairstyle, comparing it to the movie G.I. Jane in which the actress Demi Moore shaved her head bald.
Smith then walked on stage and slapped Rock, leaving those in the audience speechless, and returned to his seat shouting, “Keep my wife’s name out of your f****** mouth.”
Also read: VIDEO: Will Smith smacks Chris Rock at the Oscars
However, after being heavily criticised for his actions, Smith announced that he is resigning from the Academy.
Smith said: “I have directly responded to the Academy’s disciplinary hearing notice, and I will fully accept any and all consequences for my conduct. My actions at the 94th Academy Awards presentation were shocking, painful, and inexcusable. The list of those I have hurt is long and includes Chris, his family, many of my dear friends and loved ones, all those in attendance, and global audiences at home. I betrayed the trust of the Academy. I deprived other nominees and winners of their opportunity to celebrate and be celebrated for their extraordinary work.”
Smith’s full statement:
#BREAKING: In a new statement, Will Smith has announced that he is resigning from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences following his actions at the 94th #Oscars. No comment has been given from AMPAS yet. pic.twitter.com/7TSYcGQRXV
— Cinema Reviewed (@ReviewedCinema) April 1, 2022
Meanwhile, the Academy’s president David Rubin confirmed it had accepted Smith’s resignation, but would continue its disciplinary proceedings.
Also read:
Will Smith refused to leave the Oscars ceremony, Academy reveals
Picture: @ShahziaArfi/Twitter