Will Smith and Chris Rock have been all over social media for the entire last week. People from Hollywood are giving out various statements. The incident has tarnished Will’s image. However, he had apologized for his ’emotional’ outburst at the Oscars. Smith has now resigned from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences too.
A statement released on Friday afternoon said he will “fully accept any consequences for my conduct. My actions at the 94th Academy Awards presentation were shocking, painful, and inexcusable.” “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. “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,” he added.
The next disciplinary proceedings will take place on April 18
David Rubin, the president of the Film Academy, acknowledged the acceptance of Will’s resignation. He said, “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.”
Nonetheless, Smith’s resignation came two days after the academy’s leadership board decided to start disciplinary proceedings against him for violating the organization’s code of conduct. Those proceedings may have led to suspension or expulsion, and it was unclear what other penalties he could face at the time. This is certainly not the first time disciplinary actions have been taken against someone by the film academy. There are several actors on the list facing suspension. It includes Harvey Weinstein, Roman Polanski, Bill Cosby, and the actor Carmine Caridi.
However, the backlash stemmed from Rock’s quip about Smith’s wife’s look had quickly escalated into a frenzy. Moreover, Smith had admirers for defending his wife. But there was criticism for retaliating with violence, sabotaging his long-awaited Oscar win, and casting a pall over the night’s other victors.