Academy Pushes Smith's Disciplinary Hearing Forward

HOLLYWOOD, CA — Actor Will Smith's decision on Friday to quit the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in the wake of his Oscars slap, upended the Academy's disciplinary plans, forcing the Board of Governors to regroup. The board on Wednesday announced plans to expedite the disciplinary process, calling a meeting for this Friday to determine what actions, if any, will be taken.

By quitting, Smith preempted the Academy from being able to expel or suspend his membership, sparing himself potential embarrassment. Smith's resignation from the Academy shocked Hollywood, but it also spared him the indignity of potentially being kicked out of the Academy just days after winning a best-actor win for his role in "King Richard."

The Academy's Board of Governors was originally expected to meet April 18 to discuss possible disciplinary action. Academy President David Rubin sent a letter to board members saying that in light of Smith's resignation, "suspension or expulsion are no longer a possibility and the legally prescribed timetable no longer applies."

"It is in the best interest of all involved for this to be handled in a timely fashion," Rubin wrote.

Academy officials didn't say what disciplinary action is being considered now that Smith is no longer a member. In the past, the Academy disciplined disgraced members such as Harvey Weinstein and Roman Polanski by expelling them. Notably, the academy did not rescind their Oscars. With their options for disciplinary action now narrowed, it remains to be seen if the Board of Governors would rescind Smith's Oscar or ban him for life.

Much is at stake for the Academy's reputation. The Academy allowed Smith to remain at the ceremony, and moments after slapping Rock, Smith won an Oscar and received a standing ovation from Hollywood's elite.

SEE ALSO:

• Will Smith Was Asked But Refused To Leave The Oscars After The Slap
• LAPD Was Ready To Arrest Will Smith But Chris Rock Objected
• Academy Awards Chaos: Will Smith Wins Oscar, Punches Chris Rock

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In announcing his resignation from the Academy on Friday, Smith said he was "heartbroken" by his actions attacking Rock on stage at the Dolby Theatre. He said he will "fully accept any and all consequences for my conduct."

"My actions at the 94th Academy Awards presentation were shocking, painful and inexcusable," he said. "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 Science, 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."

Rock was on stage at the Dolby Theatre on March 27 to present an Oscar when he made a joke referencing Smith's wife — actress Jada Pinkett Smith - - and her bald head. Pinkett Smith suffers from the hair-loss condition alopecia.

Will Smith walked onto the stage and smacked Rock in the face, then returned to his seat and twice shouted at Rock to "keep my wife's name out of your (expletive) mouth."

City News Service and Patch Staffer Paige Austin contributed to this report.