Kaya 959 Reporter
Will Smith has stated in a statement on Friday 1st April, 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.
The decision comes as the actor faces the most serious crisis of his career, and the Academy Awards organization has battled to deal with the consequences of the altercation.
His statement read in full
“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.”
Smith’s statement on Friday was by far his most apologetic response to the situation.
About forty minutes after the slap, he apologized to the Academy during his broadcast acceptance speech for best actor. He did not, however, apologize to Rock in that speech.
The next day, Smith apologized to Rock on social media. On Friday, he was harsher with himself, calling his acts “shocking, unpleasant, and unacceptable.”
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