After slapping Chris Rock on stage at last weekend, Will Smith announced that he has resigned from the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts & Sciences (AMPAS).
“I am resigning from membership in the AMPAS, and will accept any further consequences the Board deems appropriate,” Smith said.
“Change takes time and I am committed to doing the work to ensure that I never again allow violence to overtake reason.”
The Academy announced on Wednesday that they had “initiated disciplinary proceedings” against Smith.
“We will continue to move forward with our disciplinary proceedings against Mr. Smith for violations of the Academy’s Standards of Conduct, in advance of our next scheduled board meeting on April 18,” David Rubin, President of AMPAS stated.
Disciplinary actions by the AMPAS include suspension or expulsion, along with “other sanctions permitted by the Bylaws and Standards of Conduct”. However, Smith has willingly left the organization.
By resigning, Smith will no longer be able to vote on Oscar-nominated movies and performances next year and forever.
The film that he featured will still be eligible for future Oscars nominations.
Smith’s full 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.”
He initially apologized to the Academy during his televised acceptance speech for best actor, about forty minutes after the slap. But in that speech, he did not apologize to Rock.
Afterthat, Smith publicly apologized to Rock the next day via Instagram.
