(Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)
Will Smith has issued a public apology to Chris Rock after he smacked the comedian in the face on Sunday night at the Oscars.
Smith took to Instagram on Monday and admitted he was wrong for striking Rock onstage. “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,” Smith began.
“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,” he shared. “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,” the actor continued. “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 incident occurred at the Oscars after Rock made a joke about Jada Pinkett Smith’s hair, saying, “Jada, I love ya. G.I. Jane 2, can’t wait to see ya.” Pinkett Smith recently opened up about her bald head and revealed that it was the result of a long struggle with alopecia.
Following the comment, Pinkett Smith was visibly offended and rolled her eyes from her seat. Shortly after the comment, Smith walked onstage and smacked Rock across the face. Smith won Best Actor later in the evening and apologized to the Academy and his fellow nominees.
Olivia Di Pede
Olivia loves all things fashion, beauty, and entertainment. In her free time, she can be found taking yoga classes, reading thriller novels, and styling outfits on Instagram.