Will Smith resigns from motion picture academy over ‘inexcusable’ Chris Rock Oscars slap

US actor Will Smith accepts the award for Best Actor in a Leading Role for “King Richard” onstage during the 94th Oscars at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California on March 27, 2022.

Will Smith resigned from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences after hitting Chris Rock at the Oscars.

Smith said in a statement that he would accept any further consequences the group's board of governors may deem appropriate.

He said his actions at the 94th Academy Awards presentation were shocking, painful, and inexcusable.

Smith apologized to the academy. Smith won the Oscar for best actor minutes after he slapped Rock.

He said in his acceptance speech that love will make him do crazy things. Jada Pinkett Smith has a skin condition that can cause hair loss and Rock made a joke about it.

On Wednesday, the organization behind the Oscars said its board of governors have initiated aDisciplinary proceeding against Smith for violating the group's standards of conduct. During the board's next meeting on April 18 it will decide what action it will take, including suspension or expulsion.

It is not clear what the academy will do next after Smith leaves. Smith will not be able to vote for Oscars in the future, but he can still be nominated and win.

A producer of the show said that the Los Angeles Police Department was going to arrest Smith at the awards ceremony, but they wouldn't press charges. Smith refused to leave the ceremony after hitting the comedian.

Rock didn't comment too much on the slap. He told a crowd at a comedy show in Boston that he was still processing what happened.

Smith, who has been one of Hollywood's most bankable stars for decades, had made his name as a star of blockbusters such asIndependence Day and Men in Black. He mixed in serious dramatic roles in what seemed like a quest for Oscars glory. The most shocking moment in the show's history will always be associated with him.

Smith's complete statement can be read.

I will fully accept any and all consequences for my conduct after I have responded to the Academy's notice. My actions at the 94th Academy Awards presentation were terrible.

I betrayed the trust of the Academy and hurt many people, including Chris, his family, friends, and global audiences at home. 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.

I am committed to doing the work to ensure that I never allow violence to overtake reason.