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Special Screening Of Columbia Pictures' 'Concussion' - Arrivals

Source: Tibrina Hobson / Getty

Will Smith has revealed that he’s pleased with how “quickly” and “aggressively” the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has responded to the #OscarsSoWhite controversy.

After outlining such during a newly published interview with the BBC’s Charlie Stay, Smith went on to reveal the reasoning why he spoke out regarding the lack of diversity among the nominees for the upcoming 88th Academy Awards.

“I was very pleased at how quickly and aggressively the Academy responded,” Smith said. “But I want to be very clear about the spirit of what I’m saying. This is far beyond me. This has nothing to do with me, this has nothing to do with awards – that’s a really frivolous reason for me to put my hand up and make a statement. For me this is much more about the idea of diversity and inclusion.”

“It’s not us and them, it’s we. I’m a member of the Academy so it’s much more a domestic family issue than it is a civil rights issue, it’s a problem that we all have to solve.”

READ MORE ON THE URBAN DAILY

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Will Smith Shines In This Exclusive “Concussion” Clip

#OscarsSoWhat: Ice Cube & Kevin Hart Aren’t Fazed By #OscarsSoWhite

Watch A Clip From The Upcoming Dr. Maya Angelou Documentary

Will Smith Says He’s Pleased With Academy’s Response To Diversity Issue & #OscarsSoWhite Campaign  was originally published on theurbandaily.com