Last night’s Academy Awards ceremony saw plenty of drama when Will Smith slapped Chris Rock for making a joke about Jada Smith’s medical condition. The “King Richard” star later bagged the Academy Award for Best Actor.
Hours after slapping Chris Rock at the Oscars, Will Smith issued a public apology. He condemned violence in the opening lines of the statement and lamented that his behavior was unacceptable and inexcusable.
Violence in all of its forms is poisonous and destructive. 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.
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.
I would also like to apologize to the Academy, the producers of the show, all the attendees and everyone watching around the world. I would like to apologize to the Williams Family and my King Richard Family. 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.
Sincerely,
Will
The two haven’t spoken to each other since the incident. Chris Rock reportedly left the building immediately after getting slapped by Will Smith. We’ll have to wait and see how the actor reacts to Will’s apology.
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