“I betrayed the trust of the Academy”: Will Smith resigns from Oscars Academy
Hollywood actor Actor Will Smith resigned from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences five days after following the committed slapping scene involving Chris Rock.
In this year’s Oscars ceremony, the awarded “Best Actor in a Leading Role” slapped the comedian and presenter for joking about his wife Jada Pinkett-Smith.
In his statement, the actor affirmed that the controversial action that he did was “shocking, painful and inexcusable.”
“I betrayed the trust of the Academy,” he said. Will further admitted that he felt heartbroken.
He also asserted that the list of those he has hurt is long. He emphasized Chris, his family, many of his dear friends, and loved ones.
“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,” he confirmed.
Chris, who was throwing jokes at the audience in a typical fashion, joked about Will’s wife Jada Pinkett-Smith looking like “G.I. Jane”. This is in reference to her bald head.
Jada publicly shared her struggle with alopecia, a hair loss disease. She opened up about it back in 2018 during one of the episodes of Red Table Talk.
The film academy’s president, David Rubin, said on Friday that the organization accepted Will’s resignation. However, they would continue with disciplinary proceedings that might result in further sanctions.
The issue will be considered at the group’s next board meeting, which will be held on April 18.
Prior to the resignation, Will also apologized, saying that his behavior at last night’s Academy Awards was “unacceptable and inexcusable.”
In the post, the actor apologized to Chris. He mentioned that he “was out of line” during the ceremony.
