After the dramatic incident in which he slapped presenter Chris Rock on stage at the Academy Awards on March 27th, Will Smith announced on Friday that he’s resigning from the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts & Sciences.
Smith’s decision comes after the Academy announced on Wednesday that it had “initiated disciplinary proceedings” against Smith.
“I am resigning from membership in the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, and will accept any further consequences the Board deems appropriate,” Smith said, in part, in the statement shared with CNN by his publicist.
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Per CNN, as a result of his resignation, Smith will no longer be able to vote on Oscar-nominated movies and performances each year. However, his own future performances will still be eligible for Oscar nominations.
Smith’s full statement reads as follows:
“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. 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.”
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David Rubin, President, Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, also released a statement on Friday.
“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,” Rubin said.
