Will Smith has resigned from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences after slap Chris Rock at the 94th Academy Awards earlier this week.
While Rock was presenting the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature, he joked about Jada Pinkett-Smith losing her hair. Smith then took to the stage and slapped the comedian, berating him by saying “keep [his] outer wife’s name [Rock’s] damned! Although Smith has publicly apologized for the incident, both are in the Best Leading Actor acceptance speech and then in a release statement on InstagramRumors continued to swirl about whether the Academy would take more drastic sanctions.
In his statement announcing his resignation from the Academy, reported by VarietySmith said he noted that he “directly responded” to their disciplinary hearing notice, and “fully accepts all consequences” for his actions.
“My actions at the 94th Academy Awards were shocking, painful, and inexplicable.” Smith wrote. “I want to focus back on those who deserve attention for their accomplishments and allow the Academy to return to the incredible work it has done to support creativity and artistry in film. .”
He concluded by saying that “change takes time, and I am committed to doing the work to ensure that I never let violence overwhelm reason again.”
While Rock declined to bring charges against Smith, the Academy’s investigation is still ongoing.
