Resignation is not the end of the story for Will Smith

 US actor Will Smith has resigned from the Oscars Academy after slapping comedian Chris Rock on stage during the ceremony. "My actions at the 94th Academy Awards presentation were shocking, painful, and inexcusable," his statement said. To this the Academy's president David Rubin said it had accepted Smith's resignation, but would continue its disciplinary proceedings.

In an Analysis from BBC Peter Brown said,” Resignation is not the end of the story”. Resigning from the Academy is a big deal. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, which organizes the Oscars, is a global organization with around 10,000 members. Membership of this illustrious, invitation-only body is seen as a mark of achievement in itself. Most people cannot apply to join - they must be nominated by at least two existing members. People nominated for an Oscar are automatically considered and do not need to be nominated. And to this day, only a handful of people have ever been expelled: they include Harvey Weinstein, Bill Cosby and Roman. He would have found out in a few weeks. But the actor decided to seal his own fate, and forfeit his esteemed role as an Oscar voter - by quitting now.

The Academy's disciplinary review over the incident was originally scheduled for 18 April but that changed when Smith resigned on 1st April. "The Board has decided, for a period of 10 years from April 8, 2022, Mr. Smith shall not be permitted to attend any Academy events or programs, in person or virtually, including but not limited to the Academy Awards," Academy President David Rubin and CEO Dawn Hudson said in a statement on Friday, 8th April,2022. The Academy Of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, said banning Smith was aimed at protecting performers and guests and "restoring trust in the Academy". The Academy said that directly after the slap it did not "adequately address the situation in the room" and had been "unprepared for the unprecedented". It apologized for this. It also thanked Rock for "maintaining his composure under extraordinary circumstances".

 Source : BBC / CNN