Will Smith said Friday night that he is resigning from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, less than a week after he slapped Chris Rock during the Oscars.
“My actions at the 94th Academy Awards presentation were shocking, painful, and inexcusable,” Smith said in a statement. “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.”
Smith said his actions both “betrayed the trust of the Academy” and “deprived other nominees and winners of their opportunity to celebrate and be celebrated for their extraordinary work,” adding that he’s “heartbroken.”
