Will Smith withdrew from the Academy for the Oscars after being slapped
Written byTimes Magazine
American actor Will Smith has withdrawn from the Oscars after meeting comedian Chris Rock on stage last Sunday's ceremony. "My actions at the 94th Academy Awards were shocking, hurtful, and unforgivable," he said.
The Academy said it had accepted the resignation and would "move forward" with a disciplinary process. Smith lashed out at Rock for a joke about his wife's head being shaved due to hair loss alopecia.
"The list of people I have hurt is very long and includes Chris, his family, many of my dearest friends and family, everyone in attendance, and viewers around the world at home," Smith said Friday. "I betrayed the Academy's trust. I take from the other nominees and winners the opportunity to celebrate and be recognized for their outstanding work. My heart is broken."
Most people cannot apply for membership - at least two existing members must nominate them. Oscar nominations are automatically considered and do not need to be selected.
Smith said he wanted to "refocus on those who deserve attention for their accomplishments." He concluded that "Change takes time, and I am committed to doing my job to ensure that I will never again allow violence to go beyond reason."
Academy President David Rubin has stated that it has accepted Smith's resignation but will continue the disciplinary process. The 57-year-old comedian, who is currently touring the US on his 'Ego Death' tour, was greeted with applause from fans.
The report said that Rock had previously decided not to file criminal charges against Smith. Smith's wife, actress Jada Pinkett-Smith, broke her silence in a brief Instagram post on Wednesday, writing, "This is healing time, and I'm here for it."
Leaving the Academy was a big problem. However, just being a member of this famous body by invitation alone is already an achievement. But the actor decided to close his fate and lost his prestigious role as an Oscar voter - he is now retired. The Mea culpa is well-articulated, but that's not the end of the story.
The Academy said disciplinary proceedings were continuing, leaving open the possibility that he would be stripped of the Oscar he won on Sunday - although that seems unlikely - or be denied future Oscar participation.
But Hollywood is a place to say goodbye, and Smith is a popular character. So maybe her next significant role will be opposite Oprah Winfrey to explain things. Addressing the episode during a stand-up show in Boston on Wednesday, Rock said he's "still processing what happened."
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