Will Smith announced his resignation as a member of the institution that awards the Oscars, following beating the comedian Chris Rock during the ceremony on Sunday, according to a statement released this Friday.
“I am resigning my membership in the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, and I will accept whatever consequences the board deems appropriate,” the actor wrote in the text published by the magazine. Variety.
“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 dearest friends and loved ones, everyone in attendance, and global audiences at home,” the statement said.
Those present at the Dolby Theater in Hollywood, California, were shocked when Smith took the stage and slapped Rock following he made a joke regarding his wife’s shaved head.
Jada Pinkett Smith suffers from alopeciadisease that causes hair loss.
«I betrayed the trust of the Academy. I deprived other nominees and winners of their opportunity to celebrate and be celebrated for their extraordinary work. I’m heartbroken,” confessed Smith, the fifth black man to win the Oscar for best actor.
“I want to bring the spotlight back to those who deserve attention for their achievements and allow the Academy to return to the incredible work it does to support creativity and artistry in film,” he said.
