Will Smith has issued an apology to Chris Rock for ‘slapping’ him across the face at the Oscar Award ceremony on Sunday.
Smith apologized directly to Rock, stating he was “out of line”. He also apologized to the Academy and the Williams family.
Chris Rock’s joke referred to the 1997 film GI Jane, starring Demi Moore who had a shaved head.
Taking to Instagram, Smith wrote:
“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 part of the job, but a joke about Jada’s medical condition was too much for me to bear and I reacted emotionally,” Smith wrote. “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.”
The post continued, “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.”
