Why it matters: The Academy said this week that it has launched “disciplinary proceedings” against Smith, whose actions have made headlines around the world. Smith, who won the Best Actor award that night, slapped Rock after the comedian made a joke about Janda Pinkett Smith’s alopecia, an autoimmune disorder that causes hair loss. What he says: Smith said in a statement that he “responded immediately” to the Academy’s disciplinary hearing.
“My actions at the 94th Academy Awards were shocking, painful and unforgivable,” he said. “I betrayed the confidence of the Academy. I deprived other candidates and winners of the opportunity to celebrate and be honored for their outstanding work. I am cracked.” “I want to focus again on those who deserve attention for their achievements and allow the Academy to return to the incredible work it does to support creativity and art in cinema,” he added. “Therefore, I resign as a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and I will accept any further consequences deemed appropriate by the Board of Directors.”
The big picture: The actor apologized to Rock on Instagram earlier this week, saying the joke was “too much for me to handle and I reacted emotionally”.
