Will Smith has now resigned from the Academy following the viral incident he was involved in at the Oscars. The acclaimed actor slapped comedian Chris Rock in the face during the ceremony held on Sunday, March 27, in response to a joke made about his wife Jada Pinkett Smith.
The 94th annual film awards show was thrown into chaos when Will Smith took offence to a comment host Chris Rock made about Jada's short haircut, as he referred to looking forward to seeing her star in the next GI Jane film.
But the joke was not taken lightly by Will, 53, whose wife suffers with alopecia which is what prompted her to shave her head, as he reacted by walking on stage and slapping Chris in front of a live audience - and millions of viewers across the world.
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In response to the attack the Men in Black actor, who went on to win his first Academy Award for best actor in King Richard just moments later, has now resigned from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
In a statement released by The Hollywood Reporter, Smith called his actions "inexcusable" and said that he would "accept any further consequences". The Academy has launched a full review into the incident and Will is yet to face a disciplinary hearing over the incident.
Will's words read: "I have directly responded to the Academy's disciplinary hearing notice, and I will fully accept any and all consequences for my conduct. 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. 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. 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. So, I am resigning from membership in the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, and will accept any further consequences the Board deems appropriate. Change takes time and I am committed to doing the work to ensure that I never again allow violence to overtake reason."
Days ago Will Smith released a statement on his Instagram apologising for his actions.
"Violence in all of its forms is poisonous and destructive. My behaviour at last night’s Academy Awards was unacceptable and inexcusable. Jokes at my expense are part of the job, but a joke about Jada’s medical condition was too much for me to bear and I reacted emotionally.
"I would like to publicly apologize to you, Chris. I was out of line and I was wrong. I am embarrassed and my actions were not indicative of the man I want to be. There is no place for violence in a world of love and kindness.
"I would also like to apologize to the Academy, the producers of the show, all the attendees and everyone watching around the world. I would like to apologize to the Williams Family and my King Richard Family. I deeply regret that my behaviour has stained what has been an otherwise gorgeous journey for all of us. I am a work in progress."
