Will Smith resigns from Oscar Academy: “I’m heartbroken”

His behavior was “shocking and inexcusable”. After the slap in the face at the Oscars, actor Will Smith announced his retirement from the film academy.

After the slap scandal at the Oscars, Will Smith has announced his resignation from the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences. He will also accept any further punishment imposed by the academy, the actor said.

His behavior was “outrageous, painful and inexcusable,” the Oscar winner wrote in a statement published by the industry journals Variety and The Hollywood Reporter. He abused the academy’s trust and robbed other nominees and winners of the opportunity to celebrate and be celebrated. “I am heartbroken,” it said.

He wants to put the focus back on those who deserve attention for their performance and work to ensure that it never happens to him again that “violence gains the upper hand over reason”.

Slap in front of an audience of millions

Smith stormed the stage at the Dolby Theater in front of an audience of millions at the Oscars on Sunday and slapped comedian Chris Rock in the face after he joked about the shaved head of his wife Jada Pinkett Smith, who suffers from circular hair loss. Immediately thereafter, Smith won his first Oscar for best actor for “King Richard.”

In his acceptance speech, he defended himself, but tearfully apologized to the Oscar Academy. Smith also apologized to Rock on Monday. He refrained from filing a complaint.

Disciplinary proceedings continue

Film Academy President David Rubin said Smith’s resignation was accepted. “We will continue our disciplinary proceedings against Mr. Smith for violations of the Academy’s Code of Conduct prior to our next scheduled board meeting on April 18.” The Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences had condemned the strike against Rock and initiated disciplinary action.

This procedure could have resulted in a suspension or expulsion. Had he been expelled, Smith would have joined a small group of inglorious men: Harvey Weinstein, Roman Polanski, Bill Cosby and actor Carmine Caridi, the latter expelled from the Academy for leaking details about the selection process and the other three for sexual abuse.

With his resignation from the film academy, Smith not only loses his voting rights there. There’s also a less tangible benefit of being a member of Hollywood’s prestigious organization: it gives its members industry credibility. Membership is by invitation only and is reviewed once a year.