Will Smith Resigns From Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences

Will Smith has canceled himself.

Smith resigned from the Academy of Arts and Sciences in a written statement. In it, he says:

“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.”

Smith continues:

“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.”

Smith’s full statement as provided to Deadline is below:

I have directly responded to the Academy’s disciplinary hearing notice, and I will fully accept any and all consequences for my conduct. 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. 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.

Change takes time and I am committed to doing the work to ensure that I never again allow violence to overtake reason.

Let’s see when Hollywood forgives Will. Mel Gibson is still being shut out. I’ll give Smith about five years. The world will always need another Men in Black.

This doesn’t mean Smith’s career is over. He has a ton of movies in production. While he may not be in front of the camera for the foreseeable future, he can still keep up the house payments as a producer.

Hollywood will forgive this guy eventually. For now, Jaden Smith will have to carry on the family name.