Smith slapped Rock over a joke about his wife's shaved head, a result of the hair-loss condition alopecia.
US actor Will Smith has resigned from the Oscars Academy after slapping comedian Chris Rock on stage during last Sunday's ceremony. "My actions at the 94th Academy Awards presentation were shocking, painful, and inexcusable," his statement said.
Less than fifty munities later, smith was awarded the best actor award for his role in "King Richard", where he played the father of tennis stars. "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 on Friday.
"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." Smith said he wanted to "put the focus back on those who deserve attention for their achievements".
He concluded that "change takes time and I am committed to doing the work to ensure that I never again allow violence to overtake reason". The Academy's president David Rubin said it had accepted Smith's resignation, but would continue its disciplinary proceedings.
Rock addressed the episode during a stand-up show in Boston on Wednesday, saying he was "still kind of processing what happened". The comedian, 57, who is currently starring in his "Ego Death" tour of the US, was greeted with a standing ovation by fans.
Rock had earlier decided not to press criminal charges against Smith, reports say.
Smith's wife, actress Jada Pinkett-Smith, broke her silence in a brief Instagram post on Wednesday, writing: "This is a season for healing and I'm here for it."
Although many considered the incident an act to draw global attention, Will's resignation has laid that theory to rest. The incident sparked a global debate. some used the scene in memes. One meme depicted Volodymyr Zelensky slapping Vladimir Putin, photoshopped to the smith scene.