The 53-year-old actor will visit a high-end US sanctuary to take a break from the backlash and to “recover from stress”, The Sun reports.

The Hollywood star announced his shock resignation from the Academy on Friday and issued a public apology in an attempt to deal with the fallout from the altercation.

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Comedian Chris Rock was presenting an award for the best documentary film when he turned to Smith’s wife Jada Pinkett-Smith and said: “Jada, I love you. GI Jane 2, can’t wait to see you”.

Rock joked that Jada, who has alopecia, would be starring in a sequel to the movie GI Jane featuring Demi Moore, who shaved her head for the role.

Moments later, Smith jumped on stage and slapped the host in the face, before returning to his seat and shouting: “Keep my wife’s name out of your f**king mouth”.

Rock appeared taken aback as he said “oh wow, wow, Will Smith just smacked the s**t out of me”, before collecting himself and carrying on.

In a statement on Friday, Smith called his actions “shocking, painful and inexcusable” and said he would accept any consequences for his conduct.

“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,” he wrote.

“So, I am resigning from my membership in the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences, and will accept any further consequences the Board deems appropriate.”

Smith’s resignation comes after the Academy announced it had initiated disciplinary proceedings against the actor for his actions that “violated” its standards of conduct.

On Thursday, the Academy gave Smith 15 days’ notice of a vote regarding Smith’s violations and sanctions and an opportunity to provide a written response explaining his actions.

“Things unfolded in a way we could not have anticipated. While we would like to clarify that Mr Smith was asked to leave the ceremony and refused, we also recognise we could have handled the situation differently,” the statement read.

“Mr Smith’s actions at the 94th Oscars were a deeply shocking, traumatic event to witness in-person and on television.

“Mr Rock, we apologise to you for what you experienced on our stage and thank you for your resilience in that moment.

“We also apologize to our nominees, guests and viewers for what transpired during what should have been a celebratory event.”