The celebrity world has been reeling ever since last week’s Oscars show wherein actor Will Smith got on stage to slap presenter Chris Rock after the latter made jokes about Jada Pinkett Smith’s lack of hair, a symptom of a medical condition.
Since then, we’ve heard statements and opinions from both sides, but it appears to have come to a head with the now Oscar-winning actor resigning from the Academy entirely
In a statement on Friday, Will Smith says he will be resigning from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
He also said he will accept any other consequences the Academy sees fit after he slapped Oscar presenter Chris Rock.
“My actions at the 94th Academy Awards presentation were shocking, painful, and inexcusable,” he writes. This comes after his initial apology, seen above, where he says that, “Violence […] is poisonous and destructive.”
He then goes on to acknowledge all who were affected.
“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.”
What does a resignation from the Academy actually mean?
It means Smith will be unable to vote on next year’s Oscars or participate in any other Academy events. It’s also tradition for the previous years’ Best Actor winner to present the next year’s Best Actress winner, but they’ll likely seek out a substitute instead.
It doesn’t necessarily make him ineligible to be considered for awards, though, but that could be another punishment the Academy decides to hand him.
There’s also a chance his recently-won Oscar could be revoked.
People consider this unlikely though as it’s never happened before.
Beyond Academy punishments, many people are wondering what this event will do to his career as a whole, something that’s impossible to predict and only time will be able to tell.
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At the very least, Smith seems to have learned from this experience, closing off his statement by writing, “Change takes time and I am committed to doing the work to ensure that I never again allow violence to overtake reason.”
h/t: The Wrap
