It appears that Will Smith has jumped ahead of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ Board of Governors “disciplinary proceedings” for his actions from last Sunday night’s event where he slapped fellow actor Chris Rock.
The Oscar winner ended up making a decision before the members of the board.
Here is the full statement Smith provided to Deadline today:
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.
A group of board members that consist of iconic players in Hollywood informed the rap legend that he had 15 days to respond in writing to their assertion that he violated the Academy’s standards of conduct with his violent behavior on March 27. The group were then scheduled to meet on April 18 to decide Smith’s fate.
Will Smith finally received high recognition for his acting, but it has been stained with his actions towards comedian Chris Rock after making a joke about his wife Jada Pinkett-Smith.
