Oscars: Will Smith resigns from the Academy after slapping Chris Rock
The American actor, under disciplinary proceedings after his gesture against the comedian during the Oscars ceremony, took the lead.
Will Smith prefers to take the lead. Under disciplinary proceedings after slapping comedian Chris Rock in the middle of the Oscars ceremony, the American actor announced on Friday, April 1, that he was resigning from the organization that awards the prestigious statuettes. My actions during the 94th Academy Awards ceremony were shocking, painful and inexcusable, wrote Will Smith in a statement. The list of those I hurt is long and includes Chris, his family, many of my dear friends and loved ones, everyone in the audience or in their homes.
It is a joke of Chris Rock on the shaved head of Jada Pinkett Smith, wife of Will Smith suffering from a disease causing an important hair loss, which had triggered the slaughter on Sunday evening. Will Smith had suddenly gone on stage and slapped Chris Rock under the stunned eye of the audience. A few minutes later, he was back on stage to receive the award for best actor, for his role in The Williams Method.
I have betrayed the trust of the Academy. I have deprived other candidates and winners of the chance to celebrate their extraordinary work. I am heartbroken,the 53-year-old actor lamented in his text. The Academy of the Oscars has initiated disciplinary proceedings against Will Smith. The Academy's board of directors said it would meet on April 18 to decide on his case and possible sanctions.