Will Smith
Hollywood star resigns from the Oscar Academy
Will Smith with his Oscar.
© imago/PA Images
Will Smith has resigned from the Academy after attacking Chris Rock at the Oscars. His behavior was “inexcusable,” he said.
After slapping Chris Rock (57) on stage at the Oscars, Will Smith (53) announced that he was leaving the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. In a statement quoted by The Hollywood Reporter, among others, the actor explains that he is “heartbroken”. He also wants to accept all consequences for his behavior during the ceremony last Sunday.
“My actions at the 94th Academy Awards were shocking, painful and inexcusable. The list of those I have hurt is long and includes Chris, his family, many of my closest friends and loved ones, everyone present and the global audience back home.” according to Smith. “I betrayed the Academy’s trust. I deprived other nominees and winners of an opportunity to celebrate and be celebrated for their extraordinary work. My heart is broken.” He wants to bring the focus back to those “who deserve attention for their achievements,” the statement said, and allow the Academy to get back to its real work.
Smith’s resignation from the Academy means he can no longer vote for the Academy Awards. According to the report, however, he can still be nominated himself and participate in future ceremonies. However, the Academy’s investigation into the incident will continue.
“We have received and accepted the immediate resignation of Will Smith from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences,” Academy President David Rubin said in a statement, according to The Hollywood Reporter. “We will continue our disciplinary process against Smith for violations of the Academy’s standards of conduct before our next scheduled board meeting on April 18.” The actor stated that he will fully accept “all the consequences” for his behavior.
That had happened
During Sunday night’s live show, Smith emerged from the audience onto the Oscars stage and slapped comedian Chris Rock in the face. Rock had made a joke about Will Smith’s wife, Jada Pinkett Smith (50), before the slap. Rock joked that Pinkett Smith is probably preparing for the sequel to The Jane Files. An obvious nod to the actress having her head shaved. The 1997 film starred Demi Moore (59) with her hair shaved off. Jada Pinkett Smith has long suffered from a disease-related hair loss, alopecia, which she made public in 2018.
Sorry only after a day
Less than an hour after the slap, Will Smith delivered a tearful acceptance speech on stage as he accepted the Oscar for best actor for his role in King Richard. In it, he apologized to the Academy and the other nominees, but not to Chris Rock. The actor caught up on this a day later on Instagram.
The Oscar winner published a post on Monday. “Violence in all its forms is poisonous and destructive,” Will Smith wrote in it. “My behavior at the Oscars last night was unacceptable and inexcusable.”
“Jokes at my expense are part of the job, but a joke about Jada’s health was too much for me and I reacted emotionally,” Will Smith explained in the post. “I want to apologize to you publicly, Chris. I was wrong and I was wrong.” He was embarrassed, said the 53-year-old. His actions didn’t reflect the man he wants to be. “In a world of love and kindness there is no room for violence.”