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Will Smith has resigned from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences after slapping Chris Rock during the Oscars on Sunday.
Smith announced his resignation in a statement on Friday, and states that he has “betrayed the trust of the Academy” in a statement provided to Fox News Digital.
<strong>Will Smith accepting best actor award.</strong>
(Foto AP/Chris Pizzello)
“I have directly responded to the Academy’s disciplinary hearing notice, and I will fully accept any and all 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. I betrayed the trust of the Academy,” Smith said.
Smith added that he “deprived other nominees and winners” of their chance to celebrate, and said he will accept any further consequences from the Board.
CHRIS ROCK ADDRESSES WILL SMITH SLAP AT FIRST COMEDY SHOW SINCE OSCARS
Comedian Chris Rock is seen at his hotel in Boston, MA.
(Fox News)
“I deprived other nominees and winners of their opportunity to celebrate and be celebrated for their extraordinary work. I am heartbroken. 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. So, I am resigning from membership in the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, and will accept any further consequences the Board deems appropriate.”
“Change takes time and I am committed to doing the work to ensure that I never again allow violence to overtake reason,” Smith added.
Smith slapped Rock after he made a joke about Jada Pinkett Smith’s bald head, making a reference to “G.I. Jane.” Pinkett Smith has struggled with alopecia.
“Jada, ‘GI Jane 2,’ I can’t wait to see it,” Rock said while on stage at the Oscars. Pinkett Smitt was in attendance at the event.
“Wow, Will Smith just smacked the s–t out of me,” Rock said after he was slapped by Smith.
Chris Rock, center, arrives at the Wilbur Theater before a performance, Wednesday, March 30, 2022, in Boston.
(AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
“Keep my wife’s name out of your f—ing mouth,” Smith said.
When Smith received his award for best actor for his role in “King Richard,” he apologized.
CHRIS ROCK SPOTTED FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE NIGHT OF WILL SMITH’S OSCARS SLAP
“I want to apologize to the Academy. I want to apologize to all my fellow nominees,” Smith said. “This is a beautiful moment.”
Smith apologized once again in an Instagram post on Monday, tagging Chris Rock.
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Chris Rock and Tony Rock during CW Launch Party – Inside at WB Main Lot in Burbank, California, United States.
(Chris Polk/FilmMagic)
“Violence in all of its forms is poisonous and destructive. My behavior at last night’s Academy Awards was unacceptable and inexcusable. Jokes at my expense are a part of the job, but a joke about Jada’s medical condition was too much for me to bear and I reacted emotionally,” Smith said. “I would like to publicly apologize to you, Chris. I was out of line and I was wrong. I am embarrassed and my actions were not indicative of the man I want to be. There is no place for violence in a world of love and kindness.”
During a Wednesday night show hosted by Rock, he said that he’s “still kind of processing what happened.”
“At some point I’ll talk about that s—, and it will be serious, and it will be funny,” Rock continued.
Fox News’ Michael Ruiz and Sarah Rumpf contributed to this report
