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”
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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...
“Did I miss anything?” Amy Schumer jokes, having not been seen for about an hour. “There’s a different vibe in here...”
Anthony Hopkins is here to announce Best Actress. “What an evening,” he says. “Will Smith said it all. What more can be said? Let’s have peace and love.”
And the winner of the Best Actress Oscar is... Jessica Chastain for The Eyes of Tammy Faye
Chastain says: “We’re faced with discriminatory and bigoted legislation that is sweeping our country, where the only goal is to divide us. Hate crimes are being committed all over the world. And in times like these, I’m inspired by Tammy. I’m inspired by her compassion. I see it as a guiding principle.”
“You see that? The public, they love you,” Gaga tells Minnelli. They’re here to announce Best Picture.
Well, that’s the Oscars done. If not the discourse about the slap. Thanks to anyone who’s been reading along with this! It’s been emotional.
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