Slap with the consequences: Will Smith quits his membership in the Academy of Motion Picture Arts.
Actor Will Smith, 53, has announced his resignation from the Film Academy after being slapped in the face at the Academy Awards.
In a statement published by Variety and The Hollywood Reporter, the Oscar winner wrote that his behavior at the awards ceremony was “shocking, distressing and inexcusable.” He hurt a lot of people, including Chris Rock.
The statement said he has renounced his membership in the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and will accept possible further steps from the association.
Smith slapped Rock on stage at a Sunday night show after the comedian made a joke about Smith’s wife, Jada Pinkett. The Oscar Academy announced, on Wednesday, after an emergency meeting, the start of disciplinary measures against the actor, “King Richard”. The possible outcome would have been the exclusion of the representative from the association.
© dpa-infocom, dpa: 220402-99-765757 / 3 (dpa)
