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Will Smith resigns from Oscars Academy over Rock slap
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US actor Will Smith accepts the award for Best Actor in a Leading Role for 'King Richard' onstage during the 94th Oscars at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California on March 27, 2022. (AFP/Robyn Beck)
W
ill Smith resigned from the body that awards the Oscars on Friday, five days after he assaulted comedian Chris Rock during a live global broadcast.
The actor said his actions, which overshadowed Hollywood's glitziest night of the year, were "shocking, painful and inexcusable."
"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.
"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."
Attendees at the Dolby Theatre watched open-mouthed as Smith mounted the stage and slapped Rock across the face after the comic made a joke about his wife's closely cropped head.
Jada Pinkett Smith has alopecia, a condition that causes hair to fall out.
He returned to his seat and shouted obscenities at Rock, who has been widely praised for keeping a cool head and getting things back on track.
