Will Smith Resigns from The Academy After Chris Rock Slap

Will Smith resigned from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. The website has confirmed.

Will wrote the following to the academy's committee. My actions at the 94th Academy Awards presentation were shocking.

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. I betrayed the trust of the academy. I prevented other nominees and winners from celebrating and being celebrated for their work. I am sad.

I want to put the focus back on those who deserve attention for their achievements and allow the Academy to get back to the work it does to support creativity and artistry in film. I am leaving the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and will accept any consequences the board deems appropriate.

He concludes by saying, "Change takes time and I am committed to doing the work to ensure that I never again allow violence to overtake reason."

The academy is expected to make a decision in a few weeks.