In a surprising turn of events, Oscar winner Will Smith has resigned from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences following his on-stage assault of Chris Rock at the 94th Academy Awards on Sunday.
Will Smith called his actions during the event “shocking, painful, and unacceptable” in a statement originally reported by Variety, adding that he would accept any additional punishments imposed by the Academy’s Board of Governors.
“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,” Will Smith said. “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.”
The actor also admitted that the slap scandal during the presentation overshadowed other prize recipients.
“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,” Smith, 53, told.
He further shared how – ‘change takes time’ and he is now “committed to doing the work to ensure that I never again allow violence to overtake reason.”
The school, on the other hand, has unexpectedly accepted Smith’s “immediate resignation” and would “continue to pursue its disciplinary processes against him for violations of the group’s norms of behaviour.” Smith resigned two days after the board of directors met to begin the disciplinary proceedings.
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Will Smith’s unexpected action comes just one day after sources close to the actor told The Sun that he and his lawyers were planning to write to the Academy to defend their case before his April 18 hearing.
Oscars came to a brief standstill on March 27 when the presenter took a swipe at Jada Pinkett Smith’s shaved head, joking, “Jada, I love you. G.I. Jane 2, can’t wait to see it, alright?”
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