Jada Pinkett Smith, Will Smith, Chris Rock Shutterstock (3)
Will SmithAfter being slapped, he resigned as an Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences member Chris RockLive TV coverage of the 94th Academy Awards, Sunday, March 27, on TV
“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 94th Academy Awards presentations were shocking, painstaking, and inexcusable. The list of people I have injured is long and includes Chris, my family, many dear friends, loved ones, all those who were present, and all those watching at home. I betrayed the trust of the Academy,” Smith, 53, said in a statement on Friday, April 1, via Variety.
“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,” he continued. “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.”
David Rubin (President of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences) responded quickly.
“We have received and accepted Mr. Will Smith’s immediate resignation from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences,” Rubin told Us Weekly. “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.”
Rock made a joke during the Oscars about Jada Pinkett Smith‘s shaved head while presenting the award for Best Documentary Feature. Jada, 50 years old, has spoken out about hair loss caused by alopecia and rolled her eyes at the mention of her appearance.
Her husband was shocked when he took to the stage and slapped Rock. Then he returned to his place and Rock was shocked. Bel-Air: The Fresh Prince alum was seen saying, “Keep my wife’s name out your f—king mouth” repeatedly.
Later that night Will addressed this incident when he accepted his award for best acting for his performance in King Richard.
“Oh, man. Richard Williams was a fierce defender of his family,” the Philadelphia native said during the emotional acceptance speech. “I’m being called on in my life to love people and to protect people and to be a river to my people. To do what we do, one must be able to take abuse. You must be able to make people rave about you. You have to be able and willing to let people disrespect you in this industry. And you got to smile, you got to pretend like that’s OK.”
He added: “I want to apologize to the academy. I would like to apologize to all of my fellow nominees. … Thank you for this moment. Thank you, Richard and the entire Williams Family. Thank you. I hope the academy invites me back.”
Chris Rock and Will Smith Myung Chun/Los Angeles Times/Shutterstock
A source exclusively revealed that the awards show was over shortly after it ended. Us WeeklyRock had originally rehearsed his speech without Jada mentioned. The insider noted, “Will was not in attendance for [the] rehearsal.”
UsAlso confirmed was that the Grown UpsStar had no plans to press charges following the public altercation. “LAPD investigative entities are aware of an incident between two individuals during the Academy Awards program,” the Los Angeles Police Department said in a statement on Sunday. “The incident involved one individual slapping another. The individual involved declined to file a report with the police. If the involved party desires a police report at a later date, LAPD will be available to complete an investigative report.”
The South Carolina native, who had previously worked on separate projects with Jada and Will, made headlines for his remarks about the couple. During the 2016 Oscars, Rock questioned Jada’s decision to boycott the awards show.
“Jada got mad, said she’s not coming. Jada boycotting the Oscars is like me boycotting Rihanna’s panties. I wasn’t invited,” the Saturday Night LiveDuring his opening monologue, alum said. “You get mad. It’s not fair that Will was this good and didn’t get nominated. It’s also not fair that Will was paid $20 million for Wild Wild West. This year at the Oscars, things are going to be a little different.”
