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WHAT WE KNOW ABOUT WILL SMITH'S RESIGNATION FROM THE ACADEMY
By TREVA BOWDOIN
Rather than waiting for the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences to decide if he can remain in the organization, Will Smith has chosen his own fate by announcing his resignation as a member. His decision comes in the wake of his row with Chris Rock at the Oscars.
To recap, at this year’s Oscars, Rock made a joke about Jada Pinkett Smith, Will’s wife, related to her hair loss from the disease alopecia. An angry Smith made his way on stage before slapping Rock across the face, then yelled profanity at him from his seat.
Smith took action after the Academy warned him that his punishment may include being expelled from the organization for at least 10 years. In his resignation statement, Smith wrote that he was "heartbroken” and apologized to Rock, his family, and “many of my dear friends, and loved ones.”
At an April 18 meeting, the Academy will decide which other disciplinary actions it may take. However, Deadline reports that Smith's Oscar will not be taken away, and according to The Hollywood Reporter, he probably won't be barred from receiving future Academy Award nominations.