Five days after Will Smith ruined the Oscars by slapping Chris Rock over a stupid joke, he has had made a decision about his future with the Academy. The disgraced actor sent a letter to AMPAS and has resigned as a member.
I have directly responded to the Academy’s disciplinary hearing notice, and I will fully accept any and all consequences for my conduct. My actions at the 94th Academy Awards presentation were shocking, painful, and inexcusable. 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. I betrayed the trust of the Academy. I deprived other nominees and winners of their opportunity to celebrate and be celebrated for their extraordinary work. I am heartbroken. 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. So, I am resigning from membership in the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, and will accept any further consequences the Board deems appropriate.
Change takes time and I am committed to doing the work to ensure that I never again allow violence to overtake reason.
I wonder what finally made him decide to do it. Was it the interviews and comments by the people who worked on the show where they claim he traumatized them? All that Chris Rock did to save his ass on Sunday night, and how Rock has taken the high road when he performed live this week? Or did he realize there is no way to come back after Sunday unless he starts showing some humility?
