The news is in: Will Smith has withdrawn from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences.
On Wednesday, following an onstage assault of comedian Chris Rock via the “slap heard ’round the world,” the Academy had begun disciplinary proceedings against the actor.
Per a statement released after a board of governors meeting, he was in violation of the AMPAS’s Standards of Conduct — “including inappropriate physical contact, abusive or threatening behavior, and compromising the integrity of the Academy.”
The star could be suspended or expunged.
The Academy also noted it hadn’t dealt perfectly with the incident when it occurred:
We were not prepared for the way things turned out. Although we regret that Mr. Smith wasn’t allowed to participate in the ceremony, we acknowledge we could have dealt with the situation better.
They certainly wouldn’t have anticipated it. Will seemed to take the action of a man who’s having a dream and realizes it — because he’s the only real person in the room, there is no such thing as consequence.
To whatever degree the analogy fits, he’s now awakened to regret.
Variety obtained the statement from Oscar winner Friday.
“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,” he said.
“I betrayed the trust of the Academy. I denied other winners and nominees the chance to recognize and celebrate their outstanding work. I am heartbroken.”
Attention from others:
“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 film.”
Furthermore, he noted that “change takes time.”
“[I] am committed to doing the work to ensure that I never again allow violence to overtake reason.”
It appears that there were conflicting reports regarding the Academy’s request for him to leave.
Variety
[S]Ources [say] the organization’s leaders never formally requested he be ejected and producer Will Packer urged him to stay. A guest appearance was made on GMA…Packer said that he said Smith should stay at the request of Rock — something Rock’s camp has denied.
However it happened, the rapper-turned-movie-star went on to accept the Best Actor award for his portrayal of Richard Williams in the film King Richard.
As for Hollywood King Will, for now, it seems he’s taking the position no higher than a fresh prince — one who’s no longer a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences.
Is he going to be there again? It is my belief that he will.
In the meantime, the New York Post reports his resignation won’t affect the Academy’s review of the incident.
-ALEX
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