Will Smith Resigns from the Academy After Slapping Chris Rock on Live Television Broadcast.

On what should have been the most exciting and joyous night in Hollywood, everybody's favorite squeaky clean rapper and phenomenal actor, did the unthinkable. During the live broadcast of the 94th Oscar Awards, Will Smith slapped comedian Chris Rock who had just made a joke about Smith's wife, Jada Pinkett-Smith. What followed was a shocking moment of profanity and dropped jaws all over the world.

That same night, Smith who was nominated for Best Actor for his film "King Richard", won the award and, in a tearful acceptance speech, apologized to the attendees, the Academy, but not to Rock.

The Academy's Board of Governors held a disciplinary meeting to decide what to do about Smith and, ahead of their decision, Smith made one of his own by resigning. He released a statement that said:

“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."

Hopefully, Smith will actually do the work and get past whatever has caused him to act out in this way.