In a statement, Smith said: “I have responded promptly to the Academy’s disciplinary hearing and will fully accept the consequences for my conduct. My actions at the 94th Academy Awards were shocking, painful and unforgivable.” Use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:31 The moment Smith hit Rock at the Oscars “I’m cracked” He added: “The list of those I have hurt is long and includes Chris, his family, many of my best friends and loved ones, everyone present and the global audience at home. “I betrayed the trust of the Academy. I deprived other candidates and winners of the opportunity to celebrate and be honored for their outstanding work. I’m cracked. “I want to focus again on those who deserve attention for their achievements and allow the Academy to return to the incredible work it does to support creativity and art in cinema. “Therefore, I resign from the membership of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and I will accept any further consequences that the Board deems appropriate. “Change takes time and I pledge to do my job to ensure that I will never again allow violence to transcend reason.” Read more: Rock “saved the Oscars” after a slap, says the producer of the ceremony Smith’s resignation came two days after the Academy meeting to initiate disciplinary proceedings against the actor for breaches of team etiquette. Image: Smith won the Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role for King Richard On Sunday night, Smith took the stage at the Dolby Theater in Hollywood and struck Rock, who had made a joke against Smith’s wife, Jada Pinkett Smith. Read more: The charity Alopecia offers an alternative speech by Will Smith Moments later, he won the Best Actor award for his role in King Richard. Rock, who was to present the Oscar for Best Documentary, refused to file charges when asked by police. Subscribe to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
