Apr 2, 2022 12:00 am
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Will Smith resigned Friday from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences following his Oscars night slap of Chris Rock and said he would accept any further punishment the organization imposed. A spokesperson for Smith issued a statement from the actor Friday afternoon. "I will fully accept any and all consequences for my conduct. My actions at the 94th Academy Awards presentation were shocking, painful, and inexcusable," Smith said in the statement. Film academy president David Rubin said Smith's resignation was accepted. "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," Rubin said. Smith's resignation came two days after the academy met to initiate disciplinary proceedings against the actor for violations against the group's standards of conduct. "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," Smith wrote in his statement. 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." On Sunday, Smith strode from his front-row Dolby Theatre seat on to the stage and smacked Rock, who had made a joke at the expense of Smith's wife, Jada Pinkett Smith. Moments later, he went on to win the best actor award for his role in King Richard. Rock says he's still processing what happened Rock, who was about to present the Oscar for best documentary, declined to file charges when asked by police. He has only briefly addressed the attack publicly, saying at one comedy concert in Boston this week that he was still "kind of processing what happened." Smith shocked the theatre crowd and viewers at home when he took the stage after Rock joked: "Jada, I love you. 'G.I. Jane 2,' can't wait to see it." Pinkett Smith, who suffers from the hair loss condition alopecia, had a closely shaved head similar to that of Demi Moore in the G.I. Jane movie. LISTEN | Pop Chat hosts process the slap and how it complicates Will Smith's legacy: 56:29The Aftermath of “The Slap” + Bridgerton Season 2It's been a few days since Will Smith slapped Chris Rock at the Oscars. Since then, Smith has apologized while others have called for him to be stripped of his Best Actor award. We process The Slap, and how it complicates Will Smith's win and legacy. Plus: Bridgerton is back! We discuss what makes the show work, and how Netflix is so successful at making it the buzziest show out right now. Segments Warm Up Question - 00:01:30 Will Smith Slap Aftermath - 00:12:20 Bridgerton - 00:35:20 Drop It In The Group Chat - 00:52:45 56:29
