Will Smith's resignation is accepted by the Academy, but disciplinary action is still possible
Key Takeaways:
- The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences president, David Rubin, stated actor Will Smith's resignation.
- Will's Best Actor award for his performance in King Richard is said to be in jeopardy.
Following actor Will Smith's resignation, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences president, David Rubin, issued a statement. He also addressed the ongoing Oscars slap gate controversy, which engulfed last Sunday's entertainment world. During the 94th Academy Awards, Will Smith hit comedian Chris Rock.
"We have received and approved Mr. Will Smith's instant resignation from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts as well as Sciences," David told People magazine. The resignation, however, may not put an end to the controversy just yet.
"In advance of our upcoming scheduled board meeting on April 18, we will continue to move forward with our disciplinary hearings against Mr. Smith for violations of the Academy's Standards of Conduct," he said.
Will's Best Actor award, which he won for his performance in King Richard, is rumored to be in jeopardy. He could also face legal consequences for assaulting Chris in public.
Will slapped him after Chris made a joke about Will's wife, Jada Pinkett Smith's shaved head. Jada has alopecia, a condition that causes her to lose her hair. I will apologize to the Academy after winning Best Actor, but not to Chris. A day later, he apologized to Chris and said he was "embarrassed" by what he had done in an Instagram post.
He announced his resignation from the Academy in a new statement on Friday. "I have responded directly to the Academy's notice of disciplinary hearing, and I fully accept any as well as all consequences for my actions. My behavior at the 94th Academy Awards was shocking, painful, and inexcusable, "In a statement, the actor said.
He continued, "Chris, his family, many of my dear friends as well as loved ones, all those in attendance, and global audiences at home are among those I have hurt. I betrayed the Academy's trust."
The actor went on to say, "I took away the opportunity for other nominees and winners to celebrate and be recognized for their outstanding work. I'm devastated. I want to refocus attention on those who deserve it for their accomplishments, allowing the Academy to focus on the incredible work to support filmmaking creativity and artistry.
As a result, I am resigning from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, and I will accept any additional consequences imposed by the Board." "Change takes time, and also, I am committed to doing the work necessary to ensure that I never again allow violence to triumph over reason," he concluded.