When Will Smith slapped Chris Rock at the Oscars on Sunday, after the comedian joked about Smith's wife, Jada Pinkett Smith, he sent shockwaves through the industry. Then, shortly after, Smith went back on stage to accept the Oscar for "Best Actor." In the days since the incident, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and Smith's peers have condemned his actions. Smith apologized to Rock on Monday, while Rock said during a stand-up show Wednesday night in Boston that he is still processing what happened.
Following his public apology, Smith announced his resignation from the Academy on Friday — and many were left wondering what the resignation would mean for the actor and his future.
What is the Academy – and why do people join?
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and ...