Will Smith Resigns From Oscars' Academy Over Slap

Following his apology on Tuesday, the 29th of March, American actor and comedian, Will Smith has resigned as a member of the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts & Sciences after the incidents on Sunday at the Oscar.

Will Smith announced his resignation from the Academy on the 1st of April 2022 after the Academy stated they will be launching their investigation to understand the incident of the day and there had also been rumour of adding Will Smith to the list of banned celebrities from the Oscars.

Announcing his resignation through an official statement on the 1st of April 2022, Will Smith stated that he is heartbroken for depriving others the opportunity to be celebrated and he is willing to accept whatever consequences that comes from slapping Chris Rock at the award show.

READ ALSO: Watch Will Smith Slap Chris Rock At The Oscars

Will Smith 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.”

Academy Responds To Will Smith's Resignation

In responding to the resignation of Will Smith from the Academy, the Academy said in a statement on the 1st of April 2022;

“We have received and accepted Mr. Will Smith’s immediate resignation from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, 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."

Chris Rock is yet to release an official statament since the incident and was also reported to not have addressed the issue during his latest comedy special.