Will Smith announced his resignation from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on Friday night, less than a week after slapping Chris Rock at the Oscars.

Smith issued a statement saying, "My actions during the 94th Academy Awards ceremony were surprising, unpleasant, and unacceptable." "Chris, his family, many of my personal friends and loved ones, all those in attendance, and worldwide audiences at home are among those I have injured."Smith claimed his actions "betrayed the Academy's confidence" and "denied other candidates and winners the opportunity to rejoice and be honored for their amazing work," and he's "heartbroken."

"I want to refocus attention on those who deserve it for their achievements," he added, "and enable the Academy to return to the tremendous job it does to foster innovation and artistry in cinema." "As a result, I am resigning from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, and I will accept any future sanctions imposed by the Board."

"Change takes time, and I'm determined to putting in the effort to guarantee that violence never again triumphs over reason," he continued.Smith's resignation has been "received and accepted," according to Academy president David Rubin, who added that the organization "will continue to move through with our disciplinary processes against Mr. Smith for violations of the Academy's Standards of Conduct."