Will Smith has resigned from the Oscars Academy following an incident throughout which he slapped comic Chris Rock.

The actor had been dealing with disciplinary motion resembling attainable expulsion or suspension from the Academy.

As an alternative, he has chosen to resign. In a press release, Smith referred to as his actions “stunning, painful and inexcusable” and stated he’ll settle for any “additional penalties” the Academy should resolve on.

“The checklist of these I’ve damage is lengthy and contains Chris, his household, lots of my expensive associates and family members, all these in attendance, and international audiences at dwelling,” Smith’s assertion continued.

“I betrayed the belief of the Academy. I disadvantaged different nominees and winners of their alternative to have fun and be celebrated for his or her extraordinary work. I’m heartbroken.”

Smith added: “I wish to put the main focus again on those that deserve consideration for his or her achievements and permit the Academy to get again to the unbelievable work it does to help creativity and artistry in movie.”

His assertion concluded: “Change takes time and I’m dedicated to doing the work to make sure that I by no means once more permit violence to overhaul motive.”

Smith’s resignation comes after the actor walked on stage throughout the Oscars and struck Rock after the comic made a joke about Smith’s spouse and fellow actor, Jada Pinkett Smith.

“Jada, I really like you. GI Jane 2can’t wait to see you,” he quipped in an obvious reference to the actor’s shaved head.

Pinkett Smith – who introduced final yr that she shaved her head after scuffling with alopecia – could possibly be seen within the viewers collectively along with her husband, rolling her eyes on the joke.

After Rock’s remark, Smith stood up and proceeded to stroll in direction of the stage.

“Uh oh…” Rock was heard uttering. Smith then proceeded to hit Rock after which stroll off stage again to his seat.

“Will Smith simply smacked the s*** out of me,” stated Rock, wanting visibly shocked for the time being.

Smith was then heard yelling: “Preserve my spouse’s identify out your f***ing mouth,” to which Rock replied: “Wow … dude. It was a GI Jane joke.”

“Preserve my spouse’s identify out your f***ing mouth,” Smith yelled once more. “I’m going to…” replied the comic, who appeared flustered on the interplay.

“That was the best night time within the historical past of tv,” Rock stated, earlier than happening to current the award for Finest Documentary.