
US actor Will Smith has resigned from the Oscars Academy after slapping comedian Chris Rock on stage during last Sunday’s ceremony.
“My actions at the 94th Academy Awards presentation were shocking, painful, and inexcusable,“his statement said.
The Academy said it accepted the resignation and would” continue to move forward“with disciplinary proceedings.
Smith slighted Rock over a joke about his woman’s shaved head, a result of the hair- loss condition alopecia.
Less than an hour latterly, 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’ve hurt is long and includes Chris, his family, many of my dear musketeers 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’m heartbroken.”
The actor said he wanted to” put the focus back on those who merit attention for their achievements”.
He concluded that” change takes time and I’m committed to doing the work to insure that I never again allow violence to overtake reason”.
The Academy’s chairman David Rubin said it had accepted Smith’s resignation, but would continue its disciplinary proceedings.
Rock addressed the occasion during a stage-up show in Boston on Wednesday, saying he was” still kind of recycling what happed”.
The funnyman, 57, who’s presently starring in his” Pride Death” stint of the US, was saluted with a standing acclamation by fans.
Rock had earlier decided not to press felonious charges against Smith, reports say.
Smith’s woman, actress Jada Pinkett-Smith, broke her silence in a brief Instagram post on Wednesday, writing“This is a season for healing and I am here for it.”
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