Will Smith resigns from The Academy after slapping Chris Rock
Will Smith is still trending heavily on social media, after slapping Chris Rock at the Oscars. That went down due to Rock making a “GI Jane” joke about Jada Pinkett Smith being bald, while supposedly not knowing she has a hair loss condition. Smith went off even more, by yelling “Keep my wife’s name out of your f*cking mouth!”
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has since opened a formal review into Smith’s actions, as there will be a hearing on April 18. However, Smith has also now resigned from The Academy, according to TMZ.
“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.”
Academy President David Rubin accepted Smith’s resignation. He says they will move forward with disciplinary proceedings against Smith. Also, many anticipate that Smith’s Oscar for Best Actor could be stripped from him, due to his actions.
Will Smith resigns from The Academy after slapping Chris Rock
