Will Smith has resigned from the Academy following the uproar from his Oscars incident, in which he slapped comedian Chris Rock live on stage for making a G.I. Jane joke about Jada Pinkett Smith’s hair.
Days after the incident, Smith released a statement addressing his actions on stage and called it “unacceptable and inexcusable” adding that, “a joke about Jada’s medical condition was too much for me to bear and I reacted emotionally.”
He further stated, “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.”
Nearly a week later, the King Richard star has resigned from the Academy following growing social media uproar demanding for more severe repercussions.
Smith stated as per Variety, “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.”
He reportedly went on to add that he will accept any disciplinary actions taken by the Academy and hopes that focus may be given back to those who won.
“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,” he said, adding that with “change takes time and I am committed to doing the work to ensure that I never again allow violence to overtake reason.”
In reaction to Smith’s resignation, Academy President David Rubin stated:
Academy president David Rubin responded to Smith’s resignation. “We have received and accepted Mr. Will Smith’s immediate resignation from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. 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’s resignation follows a recent report about the Academy’s further review into the incident in a letter sent to its members, which stated that “we condemn Mr. Smith’s actions that transpired Sunday night.”
The letter continues, “As outlined in our bylaws, the Academy’s Board of Governors will now make a determination on appropriate action for Mr. Smith. As governed by California law regarding members of nonprofit organizations like the Academy, and set forth in our Standards of Conduct, this must follow an official process that will take a few weeks.
“We will continue to update you on any developments, but we also ask that you respect your Board, Academy staff and the process as this unfolds so it can work in the considered way it was intended and mandated.”
Furthermore, Netflix has reportedly halted production on its ‘Fast and Loose’ film, which stars Will Smith, in part of the actor’s conduct during the Oscars.
According to the Hollywood Reporter, Netflix paused work on the action film earlier this week when Smith struck Chris Rock during the Oscars’ live transmission. According to the outlet, the film’s original director, David Leitch (Deadpool 2), opted to abandon the project in favor of Universal’s Fall Guy, starring Ryan Gosling, only days before the notorious slap.
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With £1m what would you do: I would do my part to provide opportunities to the less fortunate. Then do my best to change the world in my own way through sports and talent building.
