Will Smith Resigns from The Oscars Academy

Will Smith has resigned from the Oscars Academy. The 53-year-old actor said he is “resigning from membership in the Oscars Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.”

This comes after he slapped Chris Rock at 94th Annual Academy Awards in response to a joke about Jada Pinketh’s hair.

Will Smith Resigns from The Oscars Academy

The move comes after the Academy said that a formal review of the incident was underway.

David Rubin, President, of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, said, “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.”

As for Smith, his statement begins, “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,” the statement continues. “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.”

As such, Smith’s said he’s resigning from the Academy and “will accept any further consequences the Board deems appropriate.”

Smith’s statement concludes, “Change takes time and I am committed to doing the work to ensure that I never again allow violence to overtake reason.”