Will Smith resigns from Academy over Oscars slap
The best actor winner hit comedian Chris Rock for a joke he made about his wife
Will Smith has resigned from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences after slapping comedian Chris Rock at the Oscars.
The organisation says it takes place with "immediate" effect, and it will "continue to move forward" with disciplinary proceedings against him.
In a fresh statement, the actor said he was "heartbroken" and would accept any consequences from a scheduled hearing.
Smith "betrayed the trust" of the Academy
In his statement, Smith admitted he had "betrayed the trust" of the Academy and "deprived" his fellow nominees and winners of the opportunity to celebrate their achievement.
"We have received and accepted Mr Will Smith's immediate resignation from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences," Academy president David Rubin said in a subsequent 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."
53-year-old Smith stormed on stage just moments before picking up best actor for King Richard, after Chris Rock made a joke about his wife Jada Pinkett Smith's shaved head.
She has previously spoken about a diagnosis of alopecia.
Formal review set for later this month
The formal review will take place on April 18, when the Academy board will meet to discuss what disciplinary measures will be taken.
"I have directly responded to the Academy's disciplinary hearing notice, and I will fully accept any and all consequences for my conduct," Smith's statement read.
"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. 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.
"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.
"Change takes time and I am committed to doing the work to ensure that I never again allow violence to overtake reason."
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