'Oscar Assault' Will Smith: "No Excuse... Resigns from Academy Membership"

Actor Will Smith (right) is slapping actor and comedian Chris Rock at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, Los Angeles, USA, during the 94th Academy Awards held on the 27th of last month (local time).
[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Daehyun] Hollywood actor Will Smith announced that he would voluntarily resign from the membership of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS), which hosts the Oscars, saying he "betrayed trust."

On the 1st (local time), according to AFP and AP news agencies, Smith released a statement saying, "I intend to resign from the Academy membership" and "I will accept any additional measures the board deems appropriate."

Smith said, "My behavior at the awards ceremony was shocking, painful, and inexcusable," adding, "There are many people I hurt, including Chris Rock and his family, my relatives, and the viewers of the ceremony."

He continued, "I took away the opportunity for other nominees and winners to celebrate and be celebrated," and "I hope the focus will return to the achievements of the nominees and winners."

Earlier, on the 27th of last month, Smith stormed the stage at the ceremony and slapped comedian Rock because Rock made a joke about Smith's wife, Jada Pinkett Smith, who suffers from alopecia. Smith, who was seated in the front row of the ceremony, was later asked to leave by the organizers but refused and remained seated, eventually winning the Best Actor award.

The Academy Board held a meeting on the 30th of last month and initiated disciplinary proceedings against Smith. The Academy's member code of conduct specifies opposition to abuse, harassment, and discrimination. Violations can result in suspension or expulsion of membership.

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