A day after smacking in Chris Rock’s face onstage during the live Academy Awards show, Will Smith has publicly apologized to the comedian. King Richard actor took to his Instagram and issued a lengthy apology, admitting he was wrong for striking Rock onstage at the 2022 Oscars. Will Smith began his statement while noting that violence in all of its forms is poisonous and destructive.
He added, “My behavior at last night’s Academy Awards was unacceptable and inexcusable. Jokes at my expense are a part of the job, but a joke about Jada’s medical condition was too much for me to bear and I reacted emotionally.” Smith continues his statement, “I would like to publicly apologize to you, Chris. I was out of line and I was wrong. I am embarrassed and my actions were not indicative of the man I want to be. There is no place for violence in a world of love and kindness.”
However, this was the first time the Oscar winner directly apologized to the man he hit.Smith also apologized to the Academy, the producers of the show, all the attendees, and everyone watching around the world. He added, “I would like to apologize to the Williams Family and my King Richard Family.” Oscar-winner actor concluded his statement, “I deeply regret that my behavior has stained what has been an otherwise gorgeous journey for all of us. I am a work in progress.”
The shocking altercation at Sunday’s Oscars ceremony came after Rock made a joke about Smith’s wife, Jada Pinkett Smith, before presenting the award for best documentary feature. Rock suggested Pinkett Smith was getting ready to film a sequel to G.I. Jane, which was seemingly a reference to the actress’ shaved head. In response, Smith took the stage and slapped Rock.
Later in the show, while accepting the Oscar for best actor for his role in King Richard, in which he plays Richard Williams, father to tennis legends Venus and Serena, Smith apologized to the Academy and fellow nominees, but not to Rock. However, the recent post on Instagram did include an apology to the comedian.
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