LOS ANGELES — Will Smith resigned Friday from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences following his Oscars night slap of Chris Rock and said he would accept any further punishment the organization imposed.
Smith’s spokesperson issued the following statement Friday afternoon.
“I will fully accept any and all consequences for my conduct. My actions at the 94th Academy Awards presentation were shocking, painful, and inexcusable,” Smith said in the statement.
“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,” Smith’s statement said. “I am heartbroken. It is my desire to bring the attention back to those who are worthy of it and to allow the Academy back to its incredible contribution to creativity and art in film. ”
Smith’s resignation came two days after the academy met to initiate disciplinary proceedings against Smith for violations against the group’s standards of conduct.
On Sunday, Smith strode from his front-row Dolby Theatre seat on to the stage and smacked Rock, who had made a joke at the expense of Smith’s wife, Jada Pinkett Smith. Moments later, he went on to win the best actor award for his role in “King Richard.”
Rock was set to receive Oscar nomination for Best Documentary. Police asked Rock if he would like to be charged.
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