Will Smith news - live: ‘Heartbroken’ actor’s resignation from the Academy accepted by organisation

Best Actor winner resigns from Motion Picture Academy, saying list of those harmed by Oscars slap is “long and includes Chris, his family, many of my dear friends and loved ones”

Will Smith punches Chris Rock at the Oscars

Nearly a week after Will Smith slapped Chris Rock at the Oscars, Hollywood is still abuzz with activity, as celebrities weigh in on the incident, while a “formal review” of the incident began at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

Now they’ve got something new to talk about: the King Richard star has resigned from the Academy, which puts on the Oscars.

“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 in a statement. “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.”

It’s the latest sign of friction between the Hollywood heavyweight and the film group.

Smith was reportedly asked to leave the Oscars after breaking the Academy’s code of conduct, but he refused.

Though Mr Rock has declined to press charges against Mr Smith, on Wednesday, during the sold-out Boston show of his Ego Death tour, Rock finally addressed the altercation and said he was “still processing.”

“I’m still processing what happened, so at some point I’ll talk about that s***,” the comedian also said on stage, adding, “It’ll be serious. It’ll be funny, but right now I’m going to tell some jokes.”

You can follow all the developments about the “slap that was heard around the world” in our live blog below...

Key Points

• The Academy accepts Will Smith’s ‘immediate resignation’ ahead of disciplinary hearing
• What does it mean to resign from The Academy?
• Chris Rock breaks silence on Will Smith Oscars slap
• Oscars viewers moved by Lady Gaga and Liza Minnelli’s tender moment
• The 6 biggest talking points from the Oscars ceremony

[28 March 2022 05:00 · Adam White]

Here’s Smith exiting the Dolby Theatre at the end of the show with wife Jada Pinkett Smith.

[28 March 2022 05:19 · Ellie Harrison]

Good morning, taking over the live blog from Adam to recap over the night’s events, from The Slap to the biggest wins...

Here’s the moment again

[28 March 2022 05:33 · Adam White]

In a statement, the Los Angeles Police Department has confirmed that they are aware that an incident took place at the Academy Awards but that no one involved has filed a report.

“LAPD investigative entities are aware of an incident between two individuals during the Academy Awards program,” a statement by the LAPD said. “The incident involved one individual slapping another. The individual involved has declined to file a police report. If the involved party desires a police report at a later date, LAPD will be available to complete an investigative report.”

[28 March 2022 05:40 · Ellie Harrison]

Jaden Smith tweets about his father slapping Chris Rock on stage

Will Smith has been condemned by many celebrities after hitting Chris Rock on stage for making a joke about his wife.

His son Jaden, 23, has now posted about the incident.

Read more below.

[28 March 2022 05:45 · Ellie Harrison]

Minnie Driver was interviewed about the Will Smith/Chris Rock altercation on the red carpet.

See her thoughts here...

And more celebrity reactions here.

[28 March 2022 05:51 · Ellie Harrison]

Jimmy Kimmel has taken a moment to praise the Oscars hosts amid the chaos of the onstage altercation

The late night host applauded Amy Schumer, Regina Hall and Wanda Sykes

Read about it below...

[28 March 2022 05:54 · Ellie Harrison]

The LAPD said Chris Rock is not pressing charges

The Los Angeles Police Department has responded to the Will Smith/Chris Rock altercation.

Read the full story here.

[28 March 2022 06:06 · Ellie Harrison]

A celebration of Coda, this year’s Best Film winner

The big wins of the night may have been largely overshadowed by Will Smith hitting Chris Rock, but take a moment to appreciate the Best Picture winner, Coda, below...

[28 March 2022 06:18 · Ellie Harrison]

Academy reacts to Will Smith hitting Chris Rock

The Academy has said it does not condone violence after Will Smith hit Chris Rock on stage for making a joke about his wife Jada.

[28 March 2022 06:50 · Ellie Harrison]

Will Smith’s tearful Best Actor winner’s speech can be read in full here

The King Richard star cried as he took to the stage, apologising for his actions and revealing what Denzel Washington said to him just after the Chris Rock altercation.

Read the speech in its entirety here.