Will Smith Resigns From Academy Over ‘Painful and Inexcusable’ Attack
Will Smith has resigned his membership in the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences rather than being suspended or expelled by the organization following his televised assault of Chris Rock during last Sunday’s Academy Awards. Smith announced his decision Friday, calling his slapping of Chris Rock in response to a joke the comedian made about Smith’s wife, actress Jada Pinkett Smith, “shocking, painful and inexcusable.”
Rock’s jibe took aim at Pinkett Smith’s buzzcut, comparing her hair to the military-style ‘do Demi Moore wore in the 1997 film G.I. Jane. Pinkett Smith has said she suffers from alopecia, an autoimmune condition that causes hair loss. After appearing to chuckle at Rock’s comment, Smith rushed the stage and struck a stunned Rock across the face.
“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,” Smith’s statement said. “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.”