‘I would like to publicly apologize to you, Chris’: Will Smith on Instagram

Lifestyle

Published: 2022-03-29 07:58

Last Updated: 2024-03-28 07:40


‘I would like to publicly apologize to you, Chris’: Will Smith on Instagram
‘I would like to publicly apologize to you, Chris’: Will Smith on Instagram

Will Smith took to social media to apologize to Chris Rock after the slapping incident that happened at Oscars 2022.

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 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.”

In his Instagram post, he also apologized to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts, the producers of the show, the attendees and everyone watching around the world.

“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.”

 

 
 
 
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Before Smith released his statement, the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) confirmed that Chris Rock had declined to file a police report against Smith. The Academy announced that it was launching a “formal review” into the incident and will “explore further action and consequences.”


Also Read: Will Smith slaps Chris Rock at Oscars 2022 after joke about his wife


Will Smith on Sunday won the Oscar for best actor for portraying Venus and Serena Williams' father Richard in the tennis biopic "King Richard," taking home the trophy minutes after he went viral for slapping presenter Chris Rock onstage.

"Richard Williams was a fierce defender of his family," Smith said through tears.

"Art imitates life. I look like the crazy father, just like they said, just like they said about Richard Williams. But love will make you do crazy things."

Not long before he earned his golden statuette, Smith sparked controversy at the gala by storming onstage and slapping Rock, who made a joke about the actor's wife, Jada Pinkett Smith.


Also Read: Memes take over internet after Will Smith, Chris Rock moment


"I'm hoping the Academy invites me back," Smith said to close his speech.

Smith beat Javier Bardem ("Being the Ricardos"), Benedict Cumberbatch ("The Power of the Dog"), Andrew Garfield ("tick, tick...BOOM!") and Denzel Washington ("The Tragedy of Macbeth").

After the altercation and Smith's speech, host Amy Schumer returned to the stage, saying: "Did I miss anything? there's like a different vibe in here.