Breaking: Will Smith Resigns from Academy after Slapping Chris Rock

Will Smith announced on Friday that he has resigned from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, after he slapped Chris Rock during the Academy Awards on Sunday.

“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,” Smith said in a statement. “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.”

Academy president David Rubin said he had received Smith’s resignation.

“We will continue to move forward with our disciplinary proceedings against Mr. Smith for violations of the Academy’s Standards of Conduct, in advance of our next scheduled board meeting on April 18,” Rubin said.

During the awards ceremony, Rock made a joke about Smith’s wife, Jada Pinkett Smith, saying “Jada, I love you. G.I. Jane 2, can't wait to see it.” Pinkett Smith has hair loss and announced in December that she had shaved her head.

Will Smith reacted to the joke by getting on stage and slapping Rock across the face.

Will Smith Resigns from Academy after Slapping Chris Rock 'We will continue to move forward with our disciplinary proceedings against Mr. Smith,' the Academy’s ... READ MORE ADVERTISEMENT Follow Us & Share 19 West 44th Street, Suite 1701, New York, NY, 10036, USA Your Preferences | Unsubscribe | Privacy View this e-mail in your browser.