Will Smith Resigns from Academy for ‘Painful and Unforgivable’ Attack

Will Smith has resigned his membership of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences rather than being suspended or expelled by the organization following the televised assault of Chris Rock during last Sunday’s Academy Awards. . Smith announced his decision on Friday, calling his slap on Chris Rock in response to a joke the comedian said about Smith’s wife, actress Jada Pinkett Smith, as “shocking, painful painful and inexplicable.”

Rock’s jibe took aim at Pinkett Smith’s shaggy hairdo, comparing her hair to the military look Demi Moore wore in the 1997 movie. GI Jane. Pinkett Smith says she suffers from alopecia areata, an autoimmune condition that causes hair loss. After chuckling at Rock’s comment, Smith rushed onto the stage and hit Rock in the face with a stun.

“The list of people I have hurt is very long and includes Chris, his family, many of my dear friends and loved ones, all present and the global audience at home, Smith’s statement said. “I betrayed the trust of the Academy. I have deprived other nominees and winners of the opportunity to celebrate and be honored for their extraordinary work. I’m hurt.”

Smith said he hopes his move will “refocus back on those who deserve attention for their accomplishments and allow the Academy to return to the incredible work it has done to support support the creativity and artistry of the film,” adding that he would accept “additional consequences” the Academy felt appropriate.

“Change takes time, and I am committed to doing this work to ensure that I never again allow violence to prevail over reason,” Smith said.