Will Smith has resigned from Hollywood’s Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences after he slapped Chris Rock at last Sunday’s Oscars ceremony, saying he would accept “any further consequences” of the imposed decree.
In a statement, Smith said: “I have directly responded to the academy’s disciplinary 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 added: “The list of those I have hurt is long and includes Chrishis 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.”
Smith’s resignation means he loses his voting rights, but he can still be nominated for an Oscar and win an award for any upcoming performances.
The academy said it had accepted Smith’s resignation and will “continue to move forward” with disciplinary proceedings against the 53-year-old actor for violations of its standards of conduct.
The matter is due to be discussed at the board’s next meeting on 18 April, which could lead to additional sanctions.
Smith broke down in tears after accepting the best actor Oscar for King Richard
On Sunday night, Smith walked on to the stage at the Dolby Theater and smacked ceremony presenter Rock, who had made a joke at the expense of Smith’s wife, actress Jada Pinkett Smith.
He returned to his seat and shouted twice: “Keep my wife’s name out of your f****** mouth.”
Read more: ‘Ugliest Oscar moment ever’: Celebrities react to Will Smith slap
Rock’s joke had made a reference to the 1997 film GI Jane in which actress Demi Moore shaved her head.
It was unclear whether Rock was aware that Pinkett Smith has alopecia, an autoimmune condition that causes hair loss.
Subscribe to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Moments after hitting Rock, Smith gave a tearful speech on stage as he accepted the actor’s best award for his role in King Richard.
After the ceremony, he attended the Vanity Fair after-party, posing on the red carpet with his wife and three children – Trey, Jaden and Willow.
Rock, 57, declined to file charges when asked by police.
However, the Los Angeles Police Department said that “if the involved party desires a police report at a later date, LAPD will be available to complete an investigative report”.
Read more:
Rock breaks silence on slap by Smith as he returns to comedy stage
Alopecia charity offers alternative Smith speech
Smith ‘refused to leave Oscars ceremony’ after Rock slap
Source link
info@websalespromotion.com. The content will be deleted within 24 hours.
You must be logged in to post a comment.