Will Smith has decided to resign from the Academy after slapping Chris Rock during the 94th Annual Academy Awards.
“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 in his statement. “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 King Richard actor also issued a public apology on social media the Monday following this year’s Oscars.
Smith addressed Rock, stating that his own actions were “out of line” and that “violence in all of its forms is poisonous and destructive.”
The Academy is still undergoing a formal review of Smith’s behavior.
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