Will Smith resigns from Motion Picture Academy for slapping Chris Rock at the Oscars

By Aaron Humes: Acknowledging he had “betrayed the trust of the [Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences] and hurt many of those closest to him and who looked up to him, actor Will Smith has resigned membership from the Academy as it looked into disciplinary procedure over his slap of Chris Rock last Sunday night, according to ABC News.

In a statement Smith said, 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.” In resigning, Smith said he wants 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 added that he will accept further consequences from the board.

“Change takes time and I am committed to doing the work to ensure that I never again allow violence to overtake reason,” he said.

David Rubin, president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, said in a statement, “We have received and accepted Mr. Will Smith’s immediate resignation from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. 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.”

Smith went onto the stage at the 94th Academy Awards Sunday night and slapped Rock after the comedian made a joke about his wife Jada Pinkett Smith’s hair. Back in his seat, Smith then shouted “Keep my wife’s name out of your f—— mouth” twice. Smith refused to leave following his confrontation with Rock, according to the academy, and would later in the evening go on to win best actor for his role in “King Richard.” He apologized to the Academy during his acceptance speech and again the following day via Instagram, though he delayed apologizing to Rock until the following day.

The Academy has more than 10,000 members, most of whom are eligible to vote for Oscar nominees. Membership is by invitation of the board and is limited to “those who have distinguished themselves in the motion picture industry,” according to the academy.

Program producer Will Packer told ABC News’ TJ Holmes on “Good Morning America” that the Los Angeles Police Department was ready to arrest Smith, but that Rock was “dismissive” of the options police presented, insisting he was “fine.”

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