Will Smith news - live: ‘Heartbroken’ actor’s resignation from the Academy accepted by organisation
Best Actor winner resigns from Motion Picture Academy, saying list of those harmed by Oscars slap is “long and includes Chris, his family, many of my dear friends and loved ones”
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Nearly a week after Will Smith slapped Chris Rock at the Oscars, Hollywood is still abuzz with activity, as celebrities weigh in on the incident, while a “formal review” of the incident began at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
Now they’ve got something new to talk about: the King Richard star has resigned from the Academy, which puts on the Oscars.
“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,” Smith said in a statement. “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.”
It’s the latest sign of friction between the Hollywood heavyweight and the film group.
Smith was reportedly asked to leave the Oscars after breaking the Academy’s code of conduct, but he refused.
Though Mr Rock has declined to press charges against Mr Smith, on Wednesday, during the sold-out Boston show of his Ego Death tour, Rock finally addressed the altercation and said he was “still processing.”
“I’m still processing what happened, so at some point I’ll talk about that s***,” the comedian also said on stage, adding, “It’ll be serious. It’ll be funny, but right now I’m going to tell some jokes.”
You can follow all the developments about the “slap that was heard around the world” in our live blog below...
Anyway, here’s a Pulp Fiction reunion between Samuel L Jackson, Uma Thurman and John Travolta for... reasons!
They’re also joined by the infamous Pulp Fiction briefcase! Inside of it... the winner of Best Actor! If Will Smith wins this after everything else tonight...
And the Best Actor Oscar goes to... Will Smith! (gulp)
Okay, so Smith has tears in his eyes.
“Richard Williams was a fierce defender of his family,” he says of his King Richard character (and... himself?). “In this time in my life, in this moment, I am overwhelmed by what God is calling on me to do and be in this world.”
“I’m being called on in my life to love people and to protect people and to be a river to my people,” Smith says. “I know, to do what we do, we’ve gotta be able to take abuse. You’ve gotta be able to have people talk crazy about you. In this business, you’ve gotta be able to have people disrespecting you. You’ve gotta smile and pretend that that’s okay. But Richard Williams and what I love -- what Denzel said about me a few minutes ago -- in your highest moments, be careful, that’s when the devil comes for you.”
“I want to be a vessel for love,” Smith continues. He is emotional and crying.
“I want to apologise the Academy. I want to apologise to all my fellow nominees.” This is a staggering, difficult speech.
“Love will make you do crazy things,” Smith says.
Jada Pinkett Smith is smiling and nodding in the audience.
“Being able to love and care for my mother, my family, my wife -- thank you for this honour. Thank you for this moment. And thank you on behalf of Richard and Oracene and the entire Williams family. Thank you. I hope the Academy invites me back.”
Goddamn.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments