Will Smith Resigns From The Academy: I am heartbroken. I Hurt Chris and His Family
Famous actor Will Smith has decided, on Friday, to resign from the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts & Sciences, according to a statement shared with CNN by his publicist.
The decision comes after Will Smith slapped Chris Rock on the stage at the Academy Awards gala
after the comedian made a joke about his wife, Jada Pinkett Smith.
Specifically, Chris Rock joked about the bald head of Smith's wife, which he compared to Demi Moore's "G.I. Jane" (1997). The comedian said he can't wait to see Pinkett Smith, who was diagnosed with alopecia, in "G.I. Jane 2".
Initially, Will Smith seemed to laugh at Chris Rock's joke, but when he noticed his wife's serious face and saw that she didn't like the joke about the alopecia that made her suffer so much, he stormed the stage.
"Keep my wife's name out of your f*****g mouth", Will Smith shouted to Chris Rock after he slapped him.
Although asked to leave the Oscars gala, Will Smith ignored the request made in this regard by the president of the Academy, David Rubin, and CEO, Dawn Hudson.
After the incident, Will Smith won the Oscar for "Best Actor" for his role in "King Richard", and during his speech, he apologized for his violent actions.
Will Smith Eventually Resigned From The Academy
"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. 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."
Will Smith Will Face Official Disciplinary Action
Will Smith will face disciplinary action at the next Academy board meeting is scheduled for April 18.
Smith had been given 15 days' notice of a vote regarding his violations and sanctions and received the opportunity to provide a written response until the board meeting.
The president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, David Rubin, said in a statement Friday that the organization has received and accepted Will Smith's "immediate resignation."
"We will continue to move forward with our disciplinary proceedings against Mr. Smith for violations of the Academy's Standards of Conduct, in advance of our next scheduled board meeting on April 18," David Rubin added.
Disciplinary actions include suspension or expulsion, along with "other sanctions permitted by the Bylaws and Standards of Conduct."
The decision comes after Will Smith slapped Chris Rock on the stage at the Academy Awards gala
after the comedian made a joke about his wife, Jada Pinkett Smith.
Specifically, Chris Rock joked about the bald head of Smith's wife, which he compared to Demi Moore's "G.I. Jane" (1997). The comedian said he can't wait to see Pinkett Smith, who was diagnosed with alopecia, in "G.I. Jane 2".
Initially, Will Smith seemed to laugh at Chris Rock's joke, but when he noticed his wife's serious face and saw that she didn't like the joke about the alopecia that made her suffer so much, he stormed the stage.
"Keep my wife's name out of your f*****g mouth", Will Smith shouted to Chris Rock after he slapped him.
Although asked to leave the Oscars gala, Will Smith ignored the request made in this regard by the president of the Academy, David Rubin, and CEO, Dawn Hudson.
After the incident, Will Smith won the Oscar for "Best Actor" for his role in "King Richard", and during his speech, he apologized for his violent actions.
Will Smith Eventually Resigned From The Academy
"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. 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."
Will Smith Will Face Official Disciplinary Action
Will Smith will face disciplinary action at the next Academy board meeting is scheduled for April 18.
Smith had been given 15 days' notice of a vote regarding his violations and sanctions and received the opportunity to provide a written response until the board meeting.
The president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, David Rubin, said in a statement Friday that the organization has received and accepted Will Smith's "immediate resignation."
"We will continue to move forward with our disciplinary proceedings against Mr. Smith for violations of the Academy's Standards of Conduct, in advance of our next scheduled board meeting on April 18," David Rubin added.
Disciplinary actions include suspension or expulsion, along with "other sanctions permitted by the Bylaws and Standards of Conduct."
