After Will Smith slapped the living crap out of comedian Chris Rock at the Oscars the famous actor resigns from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences.
We all saw the clip of Will Smith slapping comedian Chris Rock at the Oscars, right? I mean, it's all over the internet and even available as a meme template. If you really don't know what happened: Chris Rock was onstage making jokes at the expense of some of Hollywood's best actors. After joking about Will Smith winning an award, he turned to Smith's wife, Jada Pinkett Smith and said "Jada, I love ya. GI Joe 2, can't wait to see it". This was clearly a reference regarding Pinkett Smith's recent opening up about having alopecia. Chris Rock's joke referred to her bald head, referencing GI Joe due to her having lost her hair. Well, Will Smith didn't like that joke. Here is the clip for you:
What are the consequences for the slap?
Will Smith has resigned from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences. The famous actor released a statement apologizing for his actions.
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 itdoes to support creativity and artistry in film.Change takes time and I am committed to doing the work to ensure that I never again allow violence to overtake reason.
Academy president David Rubin replied to Smith's resignation, saying that they will accept it, but still move forward with their disciplinary proceedings against Smith for violations of the Academy's Standards of Conduct. The next scheduled board meeting is on April 18.
Smith's departure from the Academy means that he will no longer be able to vote for the awards. However, it doesn't preclude him from attending the awards or even winning another one himself. Depending on what the board meetings will decide, Smith could face further disciplinary actions, such as "suspension, expulsion, or other sanctions".
Whatever happens, the clip and the memes of Will Smith beating up Chris Rock will stay forever and the video even broke the record of MrBeast's most views in 24 hours...