‘Heartbroken’ Will Smith resigns from Academy over Oscars slap

The actor says he will accept any further consequences deemed appropriate by the board for his attack on comedian Chris Rock

Smith says his actions deprived other nominees and winners of their opportunity to celebrate and be celebrated for their extraordinary work

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US actor Will Smith accepts the award for Best Actor in a Leading Role for “King Richard” during the 94th Oscars at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California, on Sunday. Photo: AFP

Published: 7:12am, 2 Apr 2022Updated: 1:23pm, 2 Apr 2022

Will Smith has tendered his resignation from the body that awards the Oscars after his attack on Chris Rock during the weekend ceremony, a statement said on Friday.

“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 actor wrote in a statement carried by multiple outlets.

“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.”

A cyclist on Friday passes a graffiti mural in a public park in Berlin, Germany that depicts the Will Smith’s viral Oscars slap. The artwork is by Dominican artist Jesus Cruz Artiles, aka Eme Freethinker. Photo: EPA-EFE

Attendees at the Dolby Theatre watched open-mouthed as Smith mounted the stage and slapped Rock across the face after the comic made a joke about his wife’s closely cropped head.