Five days after slapping Chris Rock during the Oscars ceremony, Will Smith has just resigned of his own free will from the Academy. The latter, however, continues to study disciplinary measures against the actor.
Will Smith leaves the Oscars
In the turmoil since last weekend and the slap he gave to Chris Rock on the Oscars stage, Will Smith has just announced that he is resigning from the Academy. In a press release relayed by the Variety site, the American actor returns to his attitude during the ceremony, describing his actions as “shocking, painful and inexcusable”.
“The list of those I hurt is long, it includes Chris, his family, many of my dear friends and loved ones, and everyone who was in the audience and in their homes,” the Hollywood star says. “I have betrayed the trust of the Academy. I have deprived the other nominees and winners of the opportunity to celebrate and be celebrated for their extraordinary work. I am heartbroken.”
In his press release, Will Smith, who undertakes to do everything to “never again let violence take precedence over reason”, also indicates that he accepts any additional consequences that the Academy deems appropriate.
The Academy, precisely, reacted quickly through its president David Rubin. “We have received and accepted this immediate resignation,” he said. “We continue to work on our disciplinary proceedings against Mr. Smith for violating Academy standards of conduct prior to our next board meeting scheduled for April 18.” Possible sanctions include expulsion or suspension.
What does this resignation actually mean for Will Smith? According to Variety, the 53-year-old actor just won’t be able to vote. But he can still be nominated for future films and be invited to the ceremony. As for his Best Actor statuette obtained for The Williams Method, this resignation does not change anything: Will Smith can keep it.
