Saturday, November 7, 2026

Will Smith resigns from Oscars’ Academy

Will had approached Chris on stage on the night of the show, tearing him a hot slap following the latter’s “G.I.Jane” joke about Will’s wife, Jada.

• April 2, 2022
Will Smith hits Chris Rock on Oscars stage
Will Smith hits Chris Rock on Oscars stage

American star Will Smith has officially resigned from the Oscars’ Academy, following his violent conduct against comedian Chris Rock at the 94th Oscars award show.

Will announced his resignation six days after he slapped Chris in the face as the latter anchored the award show with global audience viewing. The act elicited global uproar in Hollywood, and across social media.

A statement from Will read:

“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.”

Will had approached Chris on stage on the night of the show, tearing him a hot slap following the latter’s “G.I.Jane” joke about Will’s wife, Jada.

Although there is still an ongoing investigation by the Academy into the matter, Will can no longer vote for the Oscars – but he can still be nominated for future Oscars, attend future Oscars ceremonies and keep the Oscar statue he just won, per his resignation.

Nonetheless, there’s a possibility that these could change, as a result of the ongoing investigation.

We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.

More from Peoples Gazette

Nigerian Bar Association

States

Independence: NBA urges Nigerians to expect better future

The NBA said that ordinary Nigerians should be deriving benefit from the subsidy removal rather than hardship.

farmers

Agriculture

FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology

The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices

Katsina State

Politics

Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku

“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”

Murtala Mohammed Airport

NationWide

Aviation unions oppose FG’s plan to abolish 5% ticket, cargo sales charges

Mr Ocheme said that any review of aviation charges must follow transparent statutory procedures.

NAFDAC

States

NAFDAC warns Imo patent medicine dealers against selling fake, expired drugs

According to the NAFDAC boss, commercial interests must never justify endangering public health.

PRESIDENT BOLA AHMED TINUBU

Economy

N1,300/$1: Naira would have become worthless without my policy, Tinubu says

Mr Tinubu announced the unification of exchange rates a few days into his administration in 2023.

Bashir Adeniyi

Lagos

Customs boss decries 20-year abandonment of power equipment at ports

Mr Adeniyi described the abandonment of equipment procured with public funds as irresponsible.

INEC Chairman, Joash Amupitan

NationWide

2027: INEC chairman restates commitment to improved staff welfare

Mr Amupitan disclosed that the commission had introduced a new salary structure.

NationWide

Atiku sold Nigeria’s assets as VP, will sell country if elected president: Wike

Mr Shaibu challenged the minister to identify the specific national assets Mr Abubakar allegedly sold.