The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences says it has accepted Will Smith’s “immediate resignation” from the organisation and will “continue to move forward” with its disciplinary proceedings against him. 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.”
