The actor Will Smith has announced that he has resigned from Hollywood’s Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, declaring that his slapping of Chris Rock at last Sunday’s Oscars ceremony was “shocking, painful and inexcusable” and felt like he must resign as a result.
In a statement, Will 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.”
‘I am heartbroken’, he said.
He added: “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. I am heartbroken.
“I want to put the focus back on those who deserve attention for their achievements and allow the Academy to get back to the incredible work it does to support creativity and artistry in film.
“So, I am resigning from membership in the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, and will accept any further consequences the Board deems appropriate.
“Change takes time and I am committed to doing the work to ensure that I never again allow violence to overtake reason.”
It’s understood that the Academy has accepted Smith’s “immediate resignation” and will “continue to move forward” with its disciplinary proceedings against him.
It’s not yet know what those proceedings would be but many are speculating that Smith’s career could well and truly be finished as a result of his outburst.
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