LOS ANGELES (AFP) – The U.S. Will Smith resigned from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on Friday, five days after assaulting comedian Chris Rock during a live global broadcast.
The actor described his acts as “shocking, hurtful, and unacceptable,” as they overshadowed Hollywood’s glitziest night of the year.
“The list of persons I have harmed is vast, and it includes Chris, his family, many of my personal friends and loved ones, everyone in attendance, and the global viewers at home,” Smith added.
“I broke the Academy’s confidence. I denied other candidates and winners the opportunity to rejoice and be recognised for their outstanding efforts. I’m devastated.”
Attendees at the Dolby Theatre gasped when Smith climbed the stage and smacked Rock across the face after the comic made a joke about his wife’s tightly cropped head.
Jada Pinkett Smith suffers from alopecia, a disorder that causes hair loss.
He returned to his seat and cursed at Rock, who has been commended for keeping his calm and putting things back on track.
Smith was given the best actor Oscar for his portrayal in the sports biography “King Richard” half an hour after the shocking attack.