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| Will Smith in his Oscar-winning role in King Richard |
Following the incident at the Oscars on Sunday night in which he slapped presenter Chris Rock, Will Smith has resigned from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, the Hollywood Reporter has revealed.
The 53-year-old star, who described his actions as "shocking, painful, and inexcusable" said that he had betrayed the organisation's trust and marred what should have been a purely celebratory night for others.
Responding in a statement, the Academy said that it had accepted the resignation but will continue with disciplinary procedures. Any decision is likely to be announced at its next board meeting on 18 April.
As a non-member, Smith will remain eligible to receive awards from the academy but will lose his voting privileges.
Chris Rock has declined to press charges in relation to the incident.
