Will Smith resigned from the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts & Sciences following his on-stage slapping of Chris Rock in the recent Academy Awards ceremony, which received massive public backlash.
In a statement shared by the actor's publicist as reported by CNN, Smith announced his resignation from membership in the Academy "and will accept any further consequences the Board deems appropriate".
Smith also expressed his commitment "to doing the work" to make sure that violence will not "overtake reason." He said, "Change takes time."
The Academy President David Rubin accepted Smith's resignation and said that the institution "will continue to move forward" with its "disciplinary proceedings" against the actor, who was found in violation of the organization's Standards of Conduct. The matter will be discussed in the Academy's next board meeting this April.
The Academy's disciplinary proceedings include suspension or expulsion, as well as "other consequences permitted by the Bylaws and Standards of Conduct," according to the institution.
Smith could face more penalties, but it remains unclear as of present writing. Smith might have followed a select handful of men who have been thrown out of the academy, including Harvey Weinstein, Roman Polanski, Bill Cosby, and actor Carmine Caridi, who was expelled for sharing Oscar screeners.
Smith Says Sorry But He Must Still Face Consequences
On Wednesday, the Academy announced that it has launched "disciplinary" actions against Smith, who slapped Rock on stage a few seconds after the comedian cracked a joke at the expense of Smith's wife, Jada Pinkett Smith, who has alopecia condition.
The controversial incident caused various debates. Among those who expressed dismay was comedian Jim Carrey, who blasted the standing ovation Smith received when he won his first Oscar moments after hitting Rock. He called it a "sickening" moment.
On Monday, Smith released a statement on social media, saying that he was "out of line" and "wrong" in his actions. "I am embarrassed and my actions were not indicative of the man I want to be. There is no place for violence in a world of love and kindness," Smith posted on his official Facebook page.
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How Will Smith's Resignation Impact His Career?
Smith's resignation prevents formal disciplinary action by the Academy board of governors, which convened on Wednesday and began proceedings against him.
With Smith's resignation, he loses his right to vote as per The Guardian. The Hollywood's most distinguished institution offers its members industry prestige. It is by invitation only, and membership is reviewed once a year.
On April 18, the Academy intends to proceed with a formal investigation and disciplinary process, at which it may impose additional sanctions or punishment under its bylaws.
Meanwhile, according to Variety, Smith's departure from the prestigious body has repercussions on his career. Though the other consequences are not clear as of present writing, he has lost his status as a voting member of the Academy.
However, Smith still gets to retain his Best Actor Oscar for "King Richard" and can still be nominated for future awards, and he can still get invited to future awarding ceremonies of the Academy.
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