Will Smith resigned from The Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences Friday after slapping Chris Rock during the Oscars on Sunday.
“I am resigning from membership in the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, and will accept any further consequences the Board deems appropriate,” Smith announced in a statement on Friday.
The actor — who slapped the comedian over a bald joke he’d made aimed toward Jada Pinkett Smith — added, “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.”
Smith said he “betrayed” the trust of the Academy and “deprived” nominees and winners of their opportunity to celebrate.
“I am heartbroken,” he said, ending his statement with a vow to “never again allow violence to overtake reason.”
Shortly after Smith made his announcement, David Rubin, the president of the Academy, also released a statement accepting Smith’s resignation.
“We will continue to move forward with our disciplinary proceedings against Mr. Smith for violations of the Academy’s Standards of Conduct, in advance of our next scheduled board meeting on April 18,” he announced in a statement.
The “King Richard” star’s resignation means that he will no longer be able to vote for the Oscars, but he can still be nominated, attend future ceremonies and keep his current Oscar that he won on Sunday.
It’s unclear if the Academy will choose to revoke any of those things when they conclude their investigation into the incident.
Smith first apologized Monday for storming the stage during the show and telling Rock to “keep his wife’s name out of your f–king mouth” on live TV.
“Violence in all of its forms is poisonous and destructive. My behavior at last night’s Academy Awards was unacceptable and inexcusable.”
Smith went on to apologize to “the Academy, producers of the show, all the attendees and everyone watching around the world,” as well as to “the Williams Family and my King Richards Family.”
Rock reportedly was encouraged to file charges against Smith, but refused and Page Six was exclusively told he “isn’t even thinking about” taking any type of legal action.
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