A Smith spokesman issued a statement from the actor on Friday afternoon. “I will fully accept the consequences for my behavior. My actions at the 94th Academy Awards were shocking, painful and unforgivable,” Smith said in a statement. Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences President David Rubin said Smith’s resignation was accepted. “We will continue to pursue our disciplinary proceedings against Mr Smith for breaches of the academy’s conduct before the next scheduled board meeting on April 18,” Rubin said. Smith’s resignation came two days after the academy meeting to initiate disciplinary proceedings against the actor for breaches of team etiquette. “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’m cracked,” Smith wrote in a statement. “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.” On Sunday, Smith stepped down from his seat at the front-row Dolby Theater and struck Rock, who had made a joke against Smith’s wife, Jada Pinkett Smith. Moments later, he won the Best Actor award for his role in King Richard.
Rock says he is still working on what happened
Rock, who was to present the Oscar for Best Documentary, refused to file charges when asked by police. He only briefly referred to the attack publicly, saying at a comedy show in Boston this week that he was still “working on what happened.” Smith shocked the theater crowd and the audience at home when he took the stage after Rock joked: “Jada, I love you. ‘GI Jane 2’ I look forward to seeing.” Pinkett Smith, who suffers from alopecia areata, had a well-shaven head similar to that of Demi Moore in the GI Jane movie. LISTEN Pop Chat hosts process the slap and how it complicates Will Smith’s legacy: 56:29 The Aftermath of “The Slap” + Bridgerton Season 2 It’s been a few days since Will Smith slapped Chris Rock at the Oscars. Since then, Smith has apologized and others have asked him to withdraw his Best Actor award. We are working on The Slap and how it complicates Will Smith’s victory and legacy. Plus: Bridgerton is back! We discuss what makes the show work and how Netflix is so successful at making it the live show right now. Section Warm-Up Question – 00:01:30 Will Smith Slap Aftermath – 00:12:20 Bridgerton – 00:35:20 Throw it in the group chat – 00:52:45 56:29
