Will Smith resigns from Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, says slapping Chris Rock ‘shocking, painful, and inexcusable’

Will Smith on Friday said he has resigned from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, five days after hitting Chris Rock, in a stunning moment during the 94th Academy Awards ceremony, where he also refused to leave the proceedings after being asked to do so.

Smith in a statement on Friday said he would “fully accept any and all consequences for my conduct,” the New York Times reported.

“I…