Will Smith Resigns From The Academy Of Motion Picture Arts And Sciences
"Change takes time and I am committed to doing the work to ensure that I never again allow violence to overtake reason," the actor said.
Will Smith (Photo: David Livingston/Getty Images)
Will Smith announced yesterday that he has resigned from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
The statement, released to multiple outlets, comes five days after the King Richard actor slapped comedian Chris Rock on stage during the 94th annual Academy Awards, in response to a distasteful joke Rock made about the actor's wife Jada Pinkett-Smith's shaved head.
The statement reads:
"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."
David Rubin, President of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, said in a later statement released to People that the Academy has accepted the actor's resignation.
"We have received and accepted Mr. Will Smith's immediate resignation from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. 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."
Smith's resignation means that the actor will no longer be a voting member of the Academy with access to screeners for films in consideration. As of now, Smith is still allowed to attend future Academy Awards and related events, though this is pending AMPAS' future disciplinary action.
The I Am Legend actor previously apologized to Rock in a statement posted to his Instagram Monday, calling his behavior at the awards ceremony, "unacceptable and inexcusable." The Los Angeles Police Department confirmed to BAZAAR.com that the comedian refused to file charges against Smith for the slap.
This article originally appeared in Harper's BAZAAR US