Will Smith Resigns From the Academy After Slapping Chris Rock at the Oscars: What It Means

Days after Will Smith slapped Chris Rock during the 94th Academy Awards, he announced his resignation from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

“I have directly responded to the Academy’s disciplinary hearing notice, and I will fully accept any and all consequences for my conduct,” the Men in Black star wrote in an April 2022 statement via Variety. “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.”

He continued: “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.”

The Academy is comprised of a body of Hollywood executives and stars who come together to vote on the nominations and winners at the Oscars each year. Smith, for his part, was first eligible for membership in 2002 amid his Lead Actor nomination for Ali.

[jwplayer V0dgtdrQ-zhNYySv2]

“We have received and accepted Mr. Will Smith’s immediate resignation from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences,” Academy President David Rubin told Us Weekly in an April 2022 statement. “We will continue to move forward with our disciplinary proceedings against Mr. Smith for violations of the Academy’s Standards of Conduct, in advance of our next scheduled board meeting on April 18.”

During the March 2022 ceremony, Rock made headlines after joking about Jada Pinkett Smith — who married Smith in 1997 — and her shaved head, quipping that she’d be perfect for a potential G.I. Jane sequel. (Demi Moore starred in the 1997 film, playing a soldier who notably shaved her head during basic training.) The Maryland native, whose shaved head is a result of her battle with alopecia, rolled her eyes during the broadcast. Her husband, however, shocked viewers and attendees when he strolled on stage and smacked the Everybody Hates Chris creator.

“Keep my wife’s name out your f—king mouth,” Smith yelled after returning to his seat. Smith went on to earn the coveted Best Lead Actor trophy for his role as Richard Williams — Serena Williams and Venus Williams’ father — in King Richard. As he celebrated his win, the Academy kept both Smith and Rock separate. Us later confirmed that the Saturday Night Live alum had no plans to press charges.

Smith has since apologized for his actions, though a source told Us that he has not spoken to Rock since the encounter.

“Violence in all of its forms is poisonous and destructive. My behavior at last night’s Academy Awards was unacceptable and inexcusable,” the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air alum wrote in an Instagram statement days later. “I was out of line and I was wrong. I am embarrassed and my actions were not indicative of the man I want to be. There is no place for violence in a world of love and kindness.”

Scroll below to learn how Smith’s formal resignation impacts his career moving forward:

[podcast_block]

Membership to the Academy is granted to film artists who produce theatrically-released movies, broken down into 17 branches based on crafts. Candidates are sponsored by two present members before the Board of Governors issues invitations annually. All Oscar nominees are automatically eligible for membership regardless of sponsorships. Perks of Academy membership include access to screeners of eligible movies and the ability to vote for potential nominees.

While the Academy has a history of revoking members, some participants have chosen to walk away on their own accord. Sound mixer Peter Kurland and recording mixer Tom Fleischman both resigned in March 2022 over the board’s decision to exclude their respective categories from the live broadcast that year.

According to past precedent, it is likely that Smith could still hold onto his Oscar though he is no longer a member of the Academy. Harvey Weinstein and Roman Polanski, who were both ejected from the organization amid their respective sexual misconduct scandals, were able to keep their statues.

According to the Academy’s code of conduct, Smith’s future eligibility is up to their sole discretion. (Smith was previously nominated for his roles in Ali and The Pursuit of Happyness before his first win in March 2022.)

The Board of Governors launched “disciplinary proceedings” into Smith’s conduct, reviewing his behavior for potential violations. A hearing is scheduled for April 18, 2022, where they can take any disciplinary action deemed necessary, including suspension, expulsion or other sanctions.

The Academy announced the consequences for Smith's actions on April 8. The actor will be banned from all Academy events and programs, both in-person and virtual, for the next 10 years. "The 94th Oscars were meant to be a celebration of the many individuals in our community who did incredible work this past year; however, those moments were overshadowed by the unacceptable and harmful behavior we saw Mr. Smith exhibit on stage,” Academy President David Rubin and CEO Dawn Hudson stated in a letter after the board's meeting. “During our telecast, we did not adequately address the situation in the room. For this, we are sorry. This was an opportunity for us to set an example for our guests, viewers and our Academy family around the world, and we fell short — unprepared for the unprecedented." 

Smith reacted to the ban with a short statement, telling Page Six, “I accept and respect the Academy’s decision."