Will Smith has resigned from the Academy in the wake of his infamous Oscars slap last week.
The King Richard star, 53, had been expecting serious consequences after he slapped Chris Rock while the comedian was presenting the award for Best Documentary.
In fact, earlier this week, Academy governor Whoopi Goldberg said that there would be "big consequences" for the actor following the physical altercation that occurred the previous Sunday.
In response to the backlash Smith received after striking Rock - who had made a joke about his wife Jada Pinkett Smith's buzz cut - the actor's reps released a statement on Friday, April 1, announcing his resignation from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
Per Deadline, the statement read:
"I have directly responded to the Academy’s disciplinary hearing notice, and I will fully accept any and all consequences for my conduct. 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."
Per People, the Academy has accepted Smith's resignation, but the disciplinary proceedings will continue nevertheless.
The Pursuit of Happiness actor left the world stunned as he darted out of his seat to strike the 57-year-old comic after the latter appeared to make a joke about his wife Jade Pinkett Smith's shaved head.
Pinkett Smith has previously spoken about being diagnosed with alopecia - an autoimmune disorder that causes hair loss.
When Rock joked: "Jada, I love you. G.I. Jane 2, can't wait to see it," Pinkett Smith could be seen rolling her eyes, while her husband, Smith, initially appeared to laugh at the gag.
Watch Rock tell the joke that landed him in hot water with Smith:The situation then took an unexpected turn when the Independence Day star suddenly launched onto the stage and slapped the funnyman, who responded in shock, saying: "Will Smith just smacked the s*** out of me."
Smith then repeatedly told Rock to "leave my wife's name out of your f***ing mouth."
Following the onstage altercation, watched by millions around the world, the LAPD has confirmed that Rock refused to press charges against Smith, who has since apologized to the comic.
