Behind-The-Scenes: Will Smith Urged By Lawyers, Publicist To Resign To Preempt Harsher Discipline—He ‘Fell On His Sword’ To Keep Oscar

In a statement released late Friday, Smith pre-empted the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ Board of Governors self-described “disciplinary proceedings.” He said in a statement: “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…. Read Full Article