Will Smith Resigns From Motion Picture Academy, Will Accept Any Further Consequences For Oscars Assault

Actor Will Smith has resigned from the Motion Picture Academy and will accept any further consequences for his Oscars assault on comedian Chris Rock.

In a statement released today, Smith said, “I am resigning from membership in the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, and will accept any further consequences the Board deems appropriate.”

“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,” Smith explained.

Smith added, “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.”

BREAKING: Will Smith resigns from Oscars’ Academy. New statement & pained mea culpa. pic.twitter.com/3wKSY4KCuI

— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) April 1, 2022

Film academy president David Rubin said that while Smith’s resignation was accepted, it would not stop the Academy from moving forward with possible discipline.

“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.

The Academy’s leadership board met two days ago to initiate the disciplinary proceedings against Smith.

The group said Smith had violated the Academy’s standards of conduct and that he had 15 days to provide a written response explaining his actions and that he faced suspension, expulsion or other sanctions.