In a stunning update to this story, Will Smith has resigned his membership in the Academy of Motion Pictures. This decision comes five days after he slapped Chris Rock on national television during the Oscars.
As Mamas Uncut previously reported, on March 27, Will Smith shocked Hollywood and more when he slapped Chris Rock across the face over a joke. Rock had made a G.I. Jane joke in reference to Jada Pinkett Smith’s shaved head.
Jada has suffered from alopecia since 2018. Late last year, she made the decision to shave her head due to hair loss.
Will Smith Makes a Major Move As His Disciplinary Hearing Looms Over Him
In a statement issued to CNN by his publicist, Smith began by saying, “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.”
As Smith concluded his statement he wrote, “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.”
As The Academy revealed earlier this week, following the slap, they reportedly asked Smith to leave the premises but he refused. Moments later, Smith was on stage accepting his Oscar for best actor.
According to a statement released by The Academy’s Board of Governors, the board is expected to meet again on April 18 to decide whether Smith’s Oscar will be revoked as well. “Things unfolded in a way we could not have anticipated,” the statement read.
“While we would like to clarify that Mr. Smith was asked to leave the ceremony and refused, we also recognize we could have handled the situation differently.”
The statement further stated their disapproval of Smith’s actions. “The Board of Governors today initiated disciplinary proceedings against Mr. Smith for violations of the Academy’s Standards of Conduct, including inappropriate physical contact, abusive or threatening behavior, and compromising the integrity of the Academy,” their statement began. “Consistent with the Academy’s Standards of Conduct, as well as California law, Mr. Smith is being provided at least 15 days’ notice of a vote regarding his violations and sanctions, and the opportunity to be heard beforehand by means of a written response.”
“At the next board meeting on April 18, the Academy may take any disciplinary action, which may include suspension, expulsion, or other sanctions permitted by the Bylaws and Standards of Conduct. Mr. Smith’s actions at the 94th Oscars were a deeply shocking, traumatic event to witness in-person and on television. Mr. Rock, we apologize to you for what you experienced on our stage and thank you for your resilience at that moment. We also apologize to our nominees, guests, and viewers for what transpired during what should have been a celebratory event,” the statement concluded.
On April 1, David Rubin, the President of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, revealed that he has accepted Smith’s “immediate resignation.” He also revealed that the disciplinary proceedings will continue as scheduled.
“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.”
Smith also took to Instagram earlier this week to apologize to Chris Rock directly, saying that “Violence in all of its forms is poisonous and destructive. My behavior at last night’s Academy Awards was unacceptable and inexcusable.”
“I would like to publicly apologize to you, Chris. I was out of line and I was wrong. I am embarrassed and my actions were not indicative of the man I want to be. There is no place for violence in a world of love and kindness.”
However, it is still believed that Smith and Rock have not discussed the incident privately. Rock is currently on tour in Boston where he briefly addressed the slap at the beginning of his set on Wednesday. He told the audience that he has not yet fully processed the incident and will speak about more at a later date.
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