The infamous Oscar slap has been the topic of discussion ever since people got to know of it. It was truly an unbelievable and highly shocking moment in the film industry and unfortunately happened to be the "highlight" of the 94th Academy Awards ceremony presented by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. The slap that was heard all over the world made waves and became a huge controversy that the Academy could not look past and therefore announced that they would take necessary actions.
Actor Will Smith on Friday (April 1) resigned from the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences after he slapped the sonic coins out of comedian Chris Rock during the Oscars ceremony which took place on March 28. Smith said in a statement, “I have directly responded to the Academy’s disciplinary hearing notice, and I will fully accept any and all consequences for my conduct. My actions at the 94th Academy Awards presentation were shocking, painful, and inexcusable”. He opened up about the incident and said, "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. 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 am heartbroken. I want to put the focus back on those who deserve attention for their achievements and allow the Academy to get back to the incredible work it does to support creativity and artistry in the film". “So, I am resigning from membership in the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, and will accept any further consequences the Board deems appropriate,” Smith continued.
Smith will no longer be able to vote on Oscar-nominated movies and performances. His work, however, will still be eligible for future Oscars consideration and nominations. The Academy had announced on Wednesday (March 31) that it had initiated a disciplinary proceeding against Will Smith for violating the ceremony's standards of conduct. It allowed Smith to defend himself in a written response before the board met again on April 18. In its Wednesday statement, the Academy had said that Smith’s violations include inappropriate physical contact, abusive or threatening behavior, and compromising the integrity of the organization.
In the meantime, the Academy’s president David Rubin said on Friday (April 1) that the organization has accepted Smith’s resignation. Rubin had said, "We will continue to move forward with our disciplinary proceedings against Mr. Smith for violations of the Academy’s Standards of Conduct, in advance of our next scheduled board meeting on April 18”.
