Days after Will SmithSlapped Chris RockDuring the 94th Academy Awards he announced his resignation as an Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences member.
“I have directly responded to the Academy’s disciplinary hearing notice, and I will fully accept any and all consequences for my conduct,” the Men in Black Star wrote via an April 2022 statement Variety. “My actions at the 94th Academy Awards presentation were shocking, painful, and inexcusable. The list of people I have hurt is extensive and includes Chris, his loved ones, many of my dearest friends, and all those who were there, as well as global audiences at home. I betrayed the trust of the Academy.”
He continued: “I deprived other nominees and winners of their opportunity to celebrate and be celebrated for their extraordinary work. I am heartbroken. I want to bring the attention back to those who are worthy of praise and allow the Academy’s incredible work to support creativity and artistic expression 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.”
The Academy is made up of stars and Hollywood executives who meet to vote on the Oscars nominees and winners each year. Smith was among the first to be eligible for membership following his nomination as Lead Actor in 2002. Ali.
“We have received and accepted Mr. Will Smith’s immediate resignation from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences,” Academy President David RubinSubmitted Us Weekly In an April 2022 statement. “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 headlines during the March 2022 ceremony when he joked about Jada pinkett Smith — who married Smith in 1997 — and her shaved head, quipping that she’d be perfect for a potential G.I. Jane sequel. (Demi MooreThe 1997 film starred her as a soldier who notably shaved off her head during basic training. The Maryland native, who has a shaved head as a result her battle with alopecia caused her to roll her eyes during broadcast. However, her husband shocked viewers and others when he walked on stage and smacked her. Everyone Hates Chris creator.
“Keep my wife’s name out your f—king mouth,” Smith yelled after returning to his seat. Smith won the coveted Best Actor trophy for his role in Richard Williams — Serena Williams Venus Williams’ father — in King Richard. He celebrated his win by keeping Smith and Rock apart. Us later confirmed that the Saturday Night Live The alum didn’t intend to press charges.
Smith has since apologized, but a source said that Smith was still responsible. Us Rock has not spoken with him since that encounter.
“Violence in all of its forms is poisonous and destructive. My behavior at last night’s Academy Awards was unacceptable and inexcusable,” the Bel-Air’s Fresh Prince alum wrote in an Instagram statement days later. “I was out of line and I was wrong. I am embarrassed by my actions, which are not indicative the man I want. There is no place for violence in a world of love and kindness.”
Scroll below to learn how Smith’s formal resignation impacts his career moving forward:
