announce Actor Will SmithIn a statement, he decided to resign from the Academy, “Oscar”, once morest the background of Slap Incident Comedian Chris RockDuring Sunday Awards Ceremony.
In the statement, which was published by a number of Hollywood media, Smith, 53, wrote: “My actions at the 94th Academy Awards were shocking, painful and inexcusable. The list of people I injured is long, and includes Chris, his family, many of my dear friends and loved ones, and all who were present and the global audience at home.”
“I am resigning from my membership in the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, and will accept any consequences the Board of Directors deems appropriate (…) I betrayed the confidence of the Academy. I denied other nominees and winners the opportunity to celebrate their exceptional work. I am heartbroken.”
Smith had taken to the stage furious to slap Rock, following the latter made a joke regarding the shaved head of his wife, Jada Pinkett Smith, who has alopecia areata.
On Wednesday, the Academy began looking into the “disciplinary measures to be taken” once morest Smith.
Reported producer Oscar Awards Ceremony Will Packer, Thursday, that the police were ready to arrest Smith following slapped rock.
Packer was present with Rock when the police came to speak with the latter following the incident. He pointed out to the American channel “ABC” that policemen went to Rock, saying, “We are ready to bring him immediately, you can file a complaint, and we can arrest him.”
He explained that Rock did not want things to get to this point, adding that Rock’s answer was “No” when the police explained to him his options and asked him if he wanted them to take any measure.
And the Los Angeles police announced Sunday evening that Rock had refused to file a complaint once morest Smith, noting that no prosecution had been launched at this stage.
Rock spoke publicly regarding the incident for the first time on Wednesday night, shortly following taking to a theater in Boston to perform. “I am still comprehending what happened, and at a certain stage I will talk regarding the incident, and it will be serious and funny at the same time,” he said.
(AFP, The New Arab)
