Will Smith Resigns From The Academy Over Oscars Incident

The saga continues. Can you believe it’s not even been a week yet since Will Smith slapped Chris Rock at the Academy Awards? It’s seemed like basically every day since, there’s been some kind of official update on the situation, and lo and behold, I’ve got yet another one for you.

Last night, Smith released an official statement announcing his resignation from the Academy. As reported by IndieWire, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air star said that he’s “heartbroken”, and that his actions were “shocking, painful, and inexcusable”.

Will Smith's mother has also shared her views on Sunday night's incident - take a look below.

“I have directly responded to the Academy’s disciplinary hearing notice, and I will fully accept any and all consequences for my conduct,” he wrote. “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. 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,” he continued. “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.”

The Academy have since acknowledged Smith’s statement, and have accepted his resignation: “We have received and accepted Mr. Will Smith’s immediate resignation from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences,” their statement reads. “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.”

So, what exactly does this resignation mean? As The Hollywood Reporter writes, Smith will no longer be able to vote for the Oscars, but he can still be nominated for them himself, keep the statue he won on Sunday night, and attend future awards ceremonies. That is, unless the Academy rule against any of that, of course, as their formal review is still going ahead.