March 27, 2022 during the live television broadcast of the 94th Academy awards, the popular actor Will Smith walked onstage and gave the comedian Chris Rock a slap over a joke to his wife Jada Pinkett Smith of which Will Smith took as an embarrassment and public humiliation to him and his wife. In his acceptance speech on his award for the best actor for portrayal of tennis coach Richard Williams in the film king Richard, he apologized to the academy and to his colleagues but not to rock. The day following the incident, will smith tendered an apology to rock and the academy via Instagram and Facebook.
On April 1, 2022, smith resigned his membership in the academy as he potentially faced suspension or expulsion from the organisation.. on his statement. “I have directly responded to the academy’s disciplinary hearing notice, and I will fully accept any and all consequences for my conduct,”
He also said in a statement via his representative sent to people.
“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”.
