Will Smith resigns from the Academy after Chris Rock slapped him in the face

Will Smith resigned from the Academy of Motion Pictures on Friday, facing possible suspension or expulsion from the organization for his Stage gossip from Chris Rock at the Oscars last weekend.

Smith said in a statement he would “fully accept any consequences for my conduct” that would be imposed on him by the Academy’s Board of Governors.

“The list of those I have hurt is long and includes Chris, his family, many of my dear friends and loved ones, everyone present and the global audience back home,” Smith said in the statement.

“I betrayed the academy’s trust. I have withheld from other nominees and winners of their occasion to celebrate and be celebrated for their extraordinary work. My heart is broken.”

Smith apologized for diverting attention from other honorees, whose performances were overshadowed by the so-called slap in the face that “was heard around the world,” he said. Minutes after his outburst, the Oscar audience gave him a standing ovation as he accepted the Best Actor award for his role in King Richard.

“I want to bring the focus back to those who deserve recognition for their accomplishments and allow the Academy to go back to the incredible work they do to support creativity and artistry in film,” Smith explained.

He concluded: “Change takes time and I am committed to doing the work to ensure I never again allow violence to overtake reason.”

The Academy said Smith’s resignation was accepted minutes after the actor’s letter was published.

“We will continue our disciplinary process against Mr. Smith for violating the Academy’s standards of conduct prior to our next scheduled Board meeting on April 18,” Academy President David Rubin said in a statement.

On Wednesday, the academy called Smith refused to leave Oscars after that his smackdown of rock when the organization initiated disciplinary proceedings against the actor for violating their code of conduct.

Smith reportedly faced expulsion or suspension from The Academy over the incident – but chose not to give them a chance.

An academy source told the Post that Smith’s resignation will not affect the review of the incident.

Rock was reportedly encouraged to press charges against Smith when the LAPD showed up at the Dolby Theater after the attack, but the comic declined.

With postal wires