Will Smith Resigns from Academy Following Chris Rock Controversy

Will Smith has decided to resign from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences.

Variety reports that the decision came as the Academy had launched an investigation into the incident from this past Sunday, when Smith slapped Chris Rock at the Oscars.

“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.”

Academy president David Rubin responded to Smith’s resignation. “We have received and accepted Mr. Will Smith’s immediate resignation from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences,” Rubin said in a statement. “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.”

This story is being updated.