April 1 (Reuters) – Actor Will Smith has resigned from Hollywood’s Academy of Movement Image Arts and Sciences, saying on Friday that his slapping of presenter Chris Rock on stage at this yr’s Oscars ceremony was “stunning, painful and inexcusable.”
“I betrayed the belief of the Academy. I disadvantaged different nominees and winners of their alternative to rejoice and be celebrated for his or her extraordinary work. I’m heartbroken,” Smith mentioned in an announcement.
“So, I’m resigning from membership within the Academy of Movement Image Arts and Sciences, and can settle for any additional penalties the Board deems applicable,” he mentioned.
On the Oscars ceremony final Sunday, Smith strode as much as the stage after Rock made a joke concerning the look of Smith’s spouse, then smacked Rock throughout the face.
Lower than an hour later, Smith gave a tearful speech on stage as he accepted the most effective actor award for his position in “King Richard.”
Rock’s joke about Smith’s spouse, Jada Pinkett Smith, made a reference to the 1997 movie “G.I. Jane” through which actress Demi Moore shaved her head. It was unclear whether or not Rock was conscious that Jada Pinkett Smith has a situation that causes hair loss.
David Rubin, president of the movie academy, mentioned on Friday that the group accepted Smith’s resignation however would proceed with disciplinary proceedings that might result in extra sanctions.
The matter is because of be mentioned on the group’s subsequent board assembly on April 18.
In his assertion, Smith added: “Change takes time and I’m dedicated to doing the work to make sure that I by no means once more enable violence to overhaul purpose.”
Reporting by Lisa Richwine and Rami Ayyub; Modifying by Leslie Adler
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