He accepts “consequences”
Will Smith resigns from Academy Awards after being slapped in the face
4/2/2022 1:06 am
Hollywood star Smith slapped comedian Rock at the Oscars gala on Sunday night on stage at the Dolby Theater after Rock made a joke about Smith’s wife. That’s why Smith is now leaving the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
After his slap in the face at the Oscar gala, Hollywood star Will Smith resigns from the Oscar academy. “I resign from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and will accept all further consequences,” the US actor wrote in a statement published by the industry publication “Variety” on Friday (local time). Smith said his behavior at the awards ceremony was “shocking, painful and inexcusable.” “The list of those I have hurt is long and it includes Chris, his family, many of my dear friends and loved ones, all the participants and viewers at home around the world.”
Smith slapped Rock hard at the Oscars Gala on stage at Hollywood’s Dolby Theater after the comedian made a joke about Smith’s hair-losing wife, Jada Pinkett Smith. He also yelled at Rock, “Don’t put my wife’s name in your damn mouth.”
“I have abused the trust of the academy,” the statement continued. “I stole the opportunity from other nominees and winners to celebrate and be celebrated for their extraordinary work. I am heartbroken.”
Smith apologized to Rock on Instagram
Smith tearfully apologized to the organizers of the event and the other nominees for the slap in his acceptance speech for his Oscar nomination for best actor, but not to Rock. He caught up on this the following day via Instagram. Smith said his behavior was “unacceptable and inexcusable.”
The Oscar Academy had condemned the physical attack and initially launched an investigation. “The Academy condemns the actions of Mr. Smith at yesterday’s show,” the Academy of Motion Picture Art and Sciences said Monday. “We have officially launched a formal investigation into the incident and will consider further steps and consequences (…).”
After an emergency meeting on Wednesday, the academy said it was launching disciplinary proceedings against the ‘King Richard’ actor. A possible consequence would have been the exclusion of the actor from the association.