Will Smith resigns from Academy after slapping Chris Rock

Will Smith resigned from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on Friday evening, less than a week after he stormed onto the stage of the Oscars and struck host Chris Rock in the face.

The veteran actor apologized for his behavior in a statement, saying it was “shocking, painful and inexcusable,” and said he would accept any additional consequences the Academy’s Board of Governors deems appropriate.

“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 wrote.

The Academy oversees and presents the annual Oscars. Membership is by invitation only, usually for those who have earn a nomination.

Smith expressed regret at how his actions overshadowed the rest of the ceremony.

“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,” he continued.

“I am heartbroken. I want to put the focus back on those who deserve attention for their achievements and allow the Academy to get back to the incredible work it does to support creativity and artistry in film.”

Smith has faced heavy public criticism for walking on stage and slapping Rock live on-air after the host made a joke about the shaved head of Jada Pinkett Smith, the actor’s wife who suffers from alopecia.

He went on to win the award for Best Actor for his portrayal of Venus and Serena William’s father in the film “King Richard.”

The Academy announced that it had officially started a formal review around the incident on Monday, and notified Smith on Wednesday that it would be holding a vote on his conduct at the next board meeting on Apr. 18.

David Rubin, president of the Academy, issued a statement on Friday in response shortly after Smith’s announcement.

“We have received and accepted Mr. Will Smith’s immediate resignation from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences,” it said. “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.”