American actor Will Smith has resigned from the Oscars Academy after slapping comedian Chris Rock during last Sunday’s ceremony.
“My actions at the 94th Academy Awards presentation were shocking, painful, and inexcusable,” his statement said.
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The Academy said it accepted the resignation and would “continue to move forward” with disciplinary proceedings.
Recall that Smith slapped Rock over a joke about his wife’s shaved head, a result of the hair-loss condition alopecia.
Less than an hour later, he was awarded the best actor award for his role in “King Richard”, where he played the father of tennis stars Venus and Serena Williams.
“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 on Friday.
“I betrayed the trust of the Academy. I deprived other nominees and winners of their opportunity to celebrate and be celebrated for their extraordinary work. I am heartbroken.”
Smith said he wanted to “put the focus back on those who deserve attention for their achievements”.
He concluded that “change takes time and I am committed to doing the work to ensure that I never again allow violence to overtake reason”.
However, Rock addressed the episode during a stand-up show in Boston on Wednesday, saying he was “still kind of processing what happened”.
Rock had earlier decided not to press criminal charges against Smith, reports say.
