Will Smith, who was controversially slapped at the Oscars on-stage, has resigned his position as president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
He made the announcement in a statement on Friday (1 April), and also apologized for his actions. “shocking, painful, and inexcusable”Activities at the ceremony on Monday, 28 March
The 53-year old Hollywood actor punched Chris Rock, the awards host and comedian, in a shocking celebrity clash that has sent shockwaves around world.
The comedy began when Chris made a joke about Jada Pinkett’s buzzcut. “Jada, can’t wait for GI Jane 2.”
Will — who went on to win Best Actor later in the evening — walked up to the stage and hit the presenter, before returning to his seat and yelling: “Keep my wife’s name out of your f****** mouth.”
(Image: Rob Latour/REX/Shutterstock)
Jada cuts her hair because she has alopecia.
His Friday apology was the following: “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.”
(Image: AFP via Getty Images).
“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.”
The Academy had announced that it had initiated an investigation earlier in the week into what had happened. “initiated disciplinary proceedings against Mr Smith for violations of the Academy’s Standards of Conduct”.
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