The saga of the infamous “Oscars Slap” continues for Will Smith as he announces his resignation from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences, the organization behind the Oscars.
In a statement first released on Variety, the actor says, “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.”
Smith also stated that he will accept any additional consequences from the Academy, also calling his actions “shocking, painful, and inexcusable.”
Photo from the 94th Academy Awards Ceremony
The Academy has since accepted his resignation, responding: “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.”
In this year’s Academy Awards ceremony, Will Smith slapped Chris Rock on stage after the comedian made a joke about Jada Pinkett-Smith’s alopecia.
Smith has also since issued an apology toward Rock.
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