Will Smith said on Friday that he would resign from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and “fully accept all the consequences” for beating Chris Rock at the Oscars on Sunday. Financial Times reports.
Why it matters: The academy said this week it had launched a “disciplinary case” against Smith, whose actions made headlines around the world. Smith, who won that night’s best actor award, slammed Rock after the comedian made a joke about Jada Pinkett Smith’s alopecia, an autoimmune condition that causes hair loss.
What he says: Smith said in a statement that he responded “directly” to the academy’s disciplinary hearing.
- “My actions at the 94th Academy Awards were shocking, painful and inexcusable,” he said.
- “I betrayed the academy’s trust. I deprived other nominees and winners of the opportunity to celebrate and be celebrated for their extraordinary work. I am devastated.”
- “I want to bring the focus back to those who deserve recognition for their accomplishments and allow the Academy to go back to the incredible work they do to support creativity and artistry in film,” he added.
- “As such, I resign my membership in the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and will accept any further consequences that the board deems appropriate.”
The big picture: The actor apologized to Rock on Instagram earlier this week, saying the joke was “too much for me and I reacted emotionally.”