Will Smith Has Resigned From The Academy After Slapping Chris Rock At The Oscars

Will Smith resigned from the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences after he slapped Chris Rock on live television.

David Rubin, president of the academy, said in a statement that the inquiry into the assault would continue.

Rubin said that Will Smith resigned from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

Smith could face suspension, expulsion, or other sanctions as a result of the academy's inquiry into the incident.

The attack occurred after Rock joked about Jada Smith. Smith received his first Oscar for his portrayal of Richard Williams in King Richard after he slapped Rock.

Will Packer, producer of the Oscars show, told Good Morning America that the academy was on the verge of removing Smith from the ceremony after the attack. One of the producers said that Rock didn't want to make a bad situation worse.

Smith apologized to Rock, the academy, and the other nominees and winners of the ceremony in a statement obtained by Variety.

The list of those I 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, according to the statement. I prevented other nominees and winners from celebrating and being celebrated for their work. I am sad.