Will Smith Resigns from the Academy After Smacking Chris Rock During Oscars

Will Smith has officially resigned from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. He said in a statement, "My actions at the 94th Academy Awards presentation 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." He said he is heartbroken and added, "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. 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." He lastly said that change takes time, and he will do the work "to ensure that I never again allow violence to overtake reason."  Smith's resignation means he no longer has an Oscar vote, he can't participate in any Academy events and he will not present The Best Actress award next year, as is customary for the previous year's Best Actor winner.