By Judith Gicobi
Actor Will Smith has resigned from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. He quit on Friday, five days after assaulting comedian Chris Rock during a live world wide telecast.
The actor termed his actions, that also overtook Hollywood’s flashiest night of the year, “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,” 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.”
The audience at the Dolby Theatre watched in shock as Smith stormed the podium and smacked Rock across the face after the comedian cracked a joke regarding his wife’s neatly cropped head.
Jada Pinkett Smith suffers from alopecia, a hair loss illness.
He went back to his spot and yelled obscenities at Rock, who’s been hailed for his calm demeanor and ability to get things back to normal.
