Will Smith resigns from Academy

Will Smith has resigned from the Academy, admitting his onstage outburst at Chris Rock was “shocking, painful and inexcusable”.

Days after winning his first Oscar, Will Smith has announced his resignation from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

The 53-year-old star made the announcement on social media, calling his actions at Monday’s Academy Awards ceremony “shocking, painful and inexcusable”.

It comes amid a formal review of the actor’s shocking outburst during which he stormed the stage and slapped Chris Rock after the comedian made a joke about his wife, Jada Pinkett Smith.

In a puzzling twist, he went on to win best actor, receive a standing ovation, and was seen dancing the night away at the after party — a move which rubbed some Academy members the wrong way, according toVanity Fair.

While Smith addressed the violent display in his acceptance speech, he fell short of apologising to Rock until the next day.

Moments after attacking Chris Rock on the Oscars stage, Smith was presented with the Best Actor accolade. Picture: AFP.

All eyes have been on the King Richard star following the stunning incident, with mixed reports emerging that he was asked to leave the ceremony following the slap, but refused.

On Thursday, the Academy gave Smith “15 days’ notice of a vote regarding his violations and sanctions, and the opportunity to be heard beforehand by means of a written response”.

Smith said he was “heartbroken” by “depriving other nominees” of celebrating on the night. Picture: AFP.

Today, he wrote on Instagram that he would “fully accept any and all consequences” for his conduct, but was “resigning from membership in the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences” ahead of the next meeting on April 18.

He said he would accept any additional penalties the board deemed appropriate.

“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,” Smith said in his 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. I am heartbroken.”

BREAKING: Will Smith resigns from Oscars’ Academy. New statement & pained mea culpa. 👇👇 pic.twitter.com/3wKSY4KCuI

— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) April 1, 2022

Smith also acknowledged that his actions overshadowed other winners at the 94th Academy Awards, a sentiment which has been echoed for much of this week by those present on the night.

“I want to put the focus back on those who deserve attention for their achievements and allow the Academy to get back to the incredible work it does to support creativity and artistry in film,” he wrote.

“Change takes time and I am committed to doing the work to ensure that I never again allow violence to overtake reason,” the I Am Legend actor wrote.

According to The Wrap, Smith’s resignation means he will not be eligible to vote on next year’s Oscars or participate in other Academy events.

He will also be unlikely to participate in the annual tradition of the Best Actor winner presenting the Best Actress award at next year’s Oscars.

Academy’s response to slap

Immediately after the chaotic ceremony, the Academy released a statement condemning the slap, while still keeping the focus on the evening’s successes.

“The Academy does not condone violence of any form,” the statement read.

“Tonight we are delighted to celebrate our 94th Academy Awards winners, who deserve this moment of recognition from their peers and movie lovers around the world.” Many were quick to criticize the lukewarm message, but the Academy wasted little time before taking stronger action.

A day later, the Academy launched a formal review of Smith’s actions, releasing a second statement to reiterate its condemnation with a stronger message.

“The Academy condemns the actions of Mr. Smith at last night’s show,” the statement said.

“We have officially started a formal review around the incident and will explore further action and consequences in accordance with our Bylaws, Standards of Conduct and California law.”

The statement that followed on Thursday claimed Smith had been asked to leave the ceremony, however, insiders have since alleged that a consensus was never actually reached because officials were split on how to handle the situation.

Oscars producer Will Packer has admitted to telling Smith he could stay, stressing that he was acting on the wishes of Rock, who did not want to exacerbate the situation.

While expulsion from the Academy is now out of the question for Smith, the next steps in relation to the slap that shook the world will be decided on April 18.

Stars expelled from Academy in the past

The Academy had not been known to eject prominent members from the organisation until fairly recently.

In 2017, convicted rapist and former Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein was the first to be removed amid allegations of sexual harassment and rape.

Then, in 2018, after adopting a code of conduct for members, it booted disgraced comedian Bill Cosby, who had his sexual assault conviction overturned last year, and filmmaker Roman Polanski, who had fled the country years earlier while awaiting sentencing for statutory rape.

Smith is understood to be one of the only stars who has voluntarily resigned from the Academy in light of an investigation.