Will Smith could face further sanctions for his Oscars outburst which saw him slap presenter Chris Rock - which could even cost him his Best Actor award.
The 53-year-old actor took preventative steps to resign from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on Friday as he faced a temporary ban or possibly being kicked out for good for his moment of violent behaviour last Sunday.
Will's conduct and in fact future career have now been put under scrutiny as the shocking incident has overshadowed his outstanding achievement securing the Best Actor award.
According to The Sun the Academy's board is now "moving forward" with disciplinary proceedings - in line with revised rules following the 2017 #MeToo movement.
The rules stipulating sanctions reads: "May include private reprimand, public reprimand, temporary or permanent loss of privileges to attend and participate in Academy events or activities, temporary or permanent loss of eligibility to receive or hold or revocation of Academy awards or honors, temporary or permanent loss of eligibility to hold Academy service and volunteer roles, or other sanctions that the Academy in its sole discretion may deem appropriate."
This could potentially mean Will could lose his award for movie King Richard.
Meanwhile the actor said he was “heartbroken” and would accept any consequences that emerged from his scheduled hearing in a statement announcing his decision.
His statement also said he had “betrayed the trust” of the Academy and “deprived” his fellow nominees and winners the opportunity to celebrate their achievements on the night.
“We have received and accepted Mr Will Smith’s immediate resignation from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences,” Academy president David Rubin said in a subsequent statement, shared with the PA news agency.
“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.”
Fans also shared their reaction to the news on Twitter after the Men In Black star reacted to Mr Rock's joke about his wife Jada Pinkett Smith's bald head - which is due to alephicia.
One fan wrote: "If #WillSmith had handed back his #oscar this morning, he might have saved his career. There were only upsides and, after all, no one is going to forget that he won one. Now he could lose it anyway and he hasn't done enough to make us love him again."
Another added: "If real, Will should lose his Oscar, charges filed, and boot from the academy. #WillSmith," while one classed his "reputation" as "ruined."
An Oscars follower then continued: "Honestly #WillSmith deserves to lose his Oscar for what he did to #ChrisRock so uncalled for and unprofessional" as another wrote: "Will Smith should lose his Oscar and donate his fee for the film to charity."
