After slapping Chris Rock at the 94th Academy Awards, Will Smith is speaking out, saying he “was wrong.”
Smith took to Instagram to apologize to Rock for his actions.
“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 said.
He added, “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.”
Smith also apologized to the Academy, producers of the show, the attendees and everyone watching around the world.
Concluding his message, Smith said, “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.”
The moment came after Rock made a joke about Smith’s wife, Jada Pinkett Smith,” referring to her haircut.
Read his statement below:
View this post on Instagram
Smith received criticism from several for his actions, including “The View” co-host Sunny Hostin, as IJR reported.
“I think that when you live publicly, you don’t have the right to all of a sudden decide to execute violence,” Hostin said.
She added, “And I have to say, that was a show of toxic masculinity. If he was offended and felt emasculated…by Chris Rock’s joke, you don’t act out in violence. That is not a show of love. That’s a show of violence.”
Smith’s son Jaden Smith showed support for his father, saying, “And That’s How We Do It.”
