Will Smith announced in a statement Friday that he has resigned from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences after slapping presenter Chris Rock on stage at last weekend’s Academy Awards.
Smith said in a statement shared with CNN by his publicist, “I am resigning from membership in the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, and will accept any further consequences the Board deems appropriate.”
“Change takes time, and I am committed to doing the work to ensure that I never again allow violence to overtake reason,” Smith concluded in his statement.
The Academy announced on Wednesday that it had “initiated disciplinary proceedings” against Smith following the embarrassing incident at the Oscars on Sunday night.
Smith’s “immediate resignation” was received and accepted by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, according to David Rubin, the organization’s president.
“In advance of our next scheduled board meeting on April 18, we will continue to move forward with our disciplinary proceedings against Mr. Smith for violations of the Academy’s Standards of Conduct,” Rubin said.
The Academy’s disciplinary actions include suspension or expulsion, as well as “other sanctions permitted by the Bylaws and Standards of Conduct,” according to the organization.
Smith, on the other hand, has voluntarily left the prestigious organization of actors, directors, and producers. Smith’s resignation will prevent him from voting on Oscar-nominated films and performances each year. His work, on the other hand, will continue to be considered for Oscar nominations in the future.
The following is the complete text of his statement:
“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. 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. 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. Change takes time and I am committed to doing the work to ensure that I never again allow violence to overtake reason.”
– Will Smith
