Will Smith resigns from Oscars over Chris Rock slap, as Academy insists on disciplinary proceedings

American actor, Will Smith has resigned from the Oscars Academy after slapping comedian Chris Rock on stage during last Sunday’s award ceremony.

“My actions at the 94th Academy Awards presentation were shocking, painful, and inexcusable,” his statement read, Friday.

The Academy said it accepted the resignation and would “continue to move forward” with disciplinary proceedings.

Rock had cracked a joke about Jada Pinkett Smith, wife of Will Smith while performing as compere for the awards night, last Sunday.

“Jada, can’t wait for GI Jane 2,” Rock joked in an apparent reference to her shaved hair, which is a result of the hair loss condition alopecia. Smith who initially laughed at the joke, then stood up from his seat, walked onto the stage and slapped Rock before returning to his seat and shouting: “Keep my wife’s name out of your fucking mouth.”

Shortly after the incident, Smith was awarded the Oscar for best actor for his portrayal of Richard Williams in ‘King Richard.’

It was also supposed to be a huge night for Will Smith who had earlier been shortlisted for the Oscar award for Best Actor, as he joined one of only four Black men to have ever won that prize.

Only Black actors; Denzel Washington, Sidney Poitier, Jamie Foxx and Forest Whitaker have won the Best Actor at the Oscars.

“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 on Friday.

“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.”

The actor said he wanted to “put the focus back on those who deserve attention for their achievements”.

He concluded that “change takes time and I am committed to doing the work to ensure that I never again allow violence to overtake reason”.

The Academy’s president David Rubin said it had accepted Smith’s resignation, but would continue its disciplinary proceedings.

Rock addressed the episode during a stand-up show in Boston on Wednesday, saying he was “still kind of processing what happened”.

The comedian, 57, who is currently starring in his “Ego Death” tour of the US, was greeted with a standing ovation by fans.

Rock had earlier decided not to press criminal charges against Smith, reports say.

Smith’s wife, actress Jada Pinkett-Smith, broke her silence in a brief Instagram post on Wednesday, writing: “This is a season for healing and I’m here for it.”