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Will Smith, facing possible expulsion or suspension, on
Friday said he is resigning from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and
Sciences, days after he slapped comedian Chris Rock at the Oscars.
Smith, in a statement, said he would “fully accept any and
all consequences” for his conduct and had previously apologized to the organization
behind the Oscars and Rock.
On Wednesday, the Academy
said its board of governors has initiated a disciplinary proceeding against
Smith for violating the group’s standards of conduct and would decide what
action it will take, if any, including suspension or expulsion.
The Oscars award winner for the best actor said he “will
accept any further consequences the board deems appropriate.”
The sudden move comes as Smith is embroiled in the gravest
crisis of his career.
The Academy has also struggled to deal with the fallout
from the incident at the 94th Oscars award ceremony and earlier said Smith was
asked to leave the Dolby Theater, but he refused.
However, Variety reported
that the organization never formally requested him to leave the theater, and
producer Will Packer urged him to stay.
During an appearance on GMA on Friday, Packer said that he
said Smith should stay at the request of Rock — something Rock’s camp has
denied.
Smith also acknowledged that his actions overshadowed other
winners at the prestigious award ceremony.
With the actor preemptively quitting his membership in the
organization, it is unclear what the Academy will do next.
Picture Credit: NPR