Will Smith resigns from Oscars Academy after Chris Rock slap

msn.com:

Will Smith has resigned from the Oscars Academy after slapping Chris Rock during Sunday's ceremony. The actor, 53, who won an award for Best Actor for his role in King Richard, took to the stage and struck Rock for a G.

I. Jane joke he made about Jada Pinkett Smith. Smith has since stepped away from the organisation for his “shocking, painful, and inexcusable" actions, saying he felt "heartbroken" and had “betrayed the trust of the Academy”.

The Academy confirmed it had received the actor's resignation and would push forward with disciplinary proceedings against him, the details of which are to be discussed at a board meeting on April 18.

Smith said he would accept any consequences that emerged from his scheduled disciplinary hearing. On Friday, Smith apologised again to his fellow nominees and winners for having “deprived” them of the opportunity to celebrate their achievements on the night. “I have directly responded to the Academy’s disciplinary hearing notice, and I will fully accept any and all consequences for my conduct,” he said in a statement. Sign up to our free Indy100 weekly newsletter“My actions at the 94th Academy Awards presentation were shocking, painful, and inexcusable. “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.