Will Smith’s resignation has been accepted by the Academy as the governing body moves forward with disciplinary matters concerning the incident at the 2022 Oscars.
The King Richard star, 53, issued a statement to the US media outlet with his decision to step down as a member of the Academy after he’d slapped Chris Rock last Sunday.
An angry Will stormed the stage after the comedian had made a ill-mannered joke about his wife Jada Pinkett Smith.
Chris joked that he looked forward to seeing Jada in “GI Jane 2” because she now boasted a shaved head but is an alopecia sufferer.
(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
It is claimed that Chris was unaware that Jada suffered from the condition.
Masses of outraged fans and online users have called on the Academy to take action against Will, with the investigation surrounding the altercation still on-going.
Ahead of any disciplinary action, Will instead issued a statement of resignation, he said: “I betrayed the trust of the Academy.
(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
“I deprived other nominees and winners of their opportunity to celebrate and be celebrated for their extraordinary work. I am heartbroken.”
The actor also wrote: “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.”
He added that he “will accept any further consequences the Board deems appropriate.”
(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
David Rubin, who is the president of the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences, confirmed to PA news agency that Will’s resignation had been “received and accepted”.
He said: “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.”
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
