Will Smith has resigned from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences after beating Chris Rock during the 94th Academy Awards earlier this week.
While presenting the Oscar for best documentary, Rock made a joke about Jada Pinkett-Smith’s hair loss. Smith then took the stage and punched the comedian, yelling at him to “stay.” [his] name of the woman [Rock’s] damn mouth!” Although Smith continued to apologize publicly for the incident, both during his Best Actor acceptance speech and later in a Statement posted on InstagramRumors continued to circulate that the Academy would take more drastic sanctions.
In his statement announcing his retirement from the Academy, reported by VarietySmith said, noting that he “acted directly” on her disciplinary hearing notice and “fully accepts all consequences” for his actions.
“My actions at the 94th Academy Awards were shocking, painful and inexcusable.” Smith wrote. “I want to bring the focus back to those who deserve recognition for their accomplishments and allow the Academy to go back to the incredible work they do to support creativity and artistry in film.”
He concluded by stating that “Change takes time and I am committed to doing the work to ensure I never again allow violence to overtake reason.”
While Rock has declined to press charges against Smith, the Academy’s investigation is ongoing.
