“The list of those I hurt is long and includes Chris, his family, many of my dear friends and loved ones, everyone in the audience or at home,” the American actor wrote.
Following the insult to Chris Rock during the Oscars ceremony’s middle, Will Smith, under disciplinary proceedings, took over and announced, Friday, April 1, that he was resigning from the organization that awards the prestigious trophy. “My actions at the 94th Academy Awards were shocking, painful and inexcusable”Will Smith said it in a press release.
“The list of those I have hurt is long and includes Chris, his family, many of my dear friends and loved ones, everyone who was in the audience or at home”The actor, 53 years old, continues to act in front of the audience on Sunday. “I resign as a Fellow of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and will accept any consequences the Board of Directors deems appropriate”He promises.
Chris Rock made a joke about Jada Pinkett Smith’s close-cropped hair, the wife of Will Smith who has a severe disease that causes significant hair loss. This was what triggered the scandal on Sunday night. Will Smith suddenly took to the stage and slapped Chris Rock in front of dumbfounded celebrities and viewers.
He returned to the Oscars stage a few minutes later to accept the award for best actor for his role in the slap. “The Williams Method”.
“I betrayed the trust of the Academy. I denied other contestants and winners the opportunity to recognize their exceptional work. My heart is broken “In his text, he regretted.
Leaders wrote to Academy members: “scandalized”By the incident, lamenting the fact that the ceremony was cancelled “was overshadowed by the unacceptable and harmful behavior of a contestant on stage”.
Will Smith has been placed under disciplinary action by the board. He will meet with the board on April 18th for a decision on his case. “To be heard through a written reply”. The Academy has almost 10,000 members and is subject to suspension or expulsion under its internal regulations.
There were voices that demanded that Will Smith’s Oscar be stripped. However, others pointed out that neither Harvey Weinstein (a former Hollywood mogul convicted for rape and sexual abuse) nor Roman Polanski, the director, had been forced to return their statuette following being expelled by the Academy.
Will Packer, Oscar Night Producer, paid tribute Chris Rock’s professionalism and composure which saved Oscar Night. “It was because Chris handled this moment gracefully and calmly that we were in a position to continue the show.”Friday’s interview with Will Packer was broadcast on ABC television.
After being slapped the comedian quickly chained and presented as expected the trophy of best documentary. The comedian chose to be appeased and refused to file a complaint against Will Smith, which the police were prepared to arrest for. “It kind of allowed us to continue the show, which is what we wanted to do”The producer was also mentioned.
Chris Rock spoke first about the incident Wednesday night shortly after he performed a Boston show. “I’m still digesting what happened. At some point, I’m going talk about this stuff. And it will be serious and funny”He said.