Following the controversial moment at the 94th Academy Awards, Will Smith has publicly apologized to Chris Rock for slapping him in the face. The Oscars always come with its best, worst, and strange moments year after year. However, the 2022 event came with more drama than probably any viewer was prepared for. One of the presenters was Chris Rock, who was there to present the Oscar for Best Documentary Feature. During the segment, the actor took a massive dig at actress Jada Pinkett Smith, making a joke about her being bald, which is the result of her alopecia diagnosis.
While various audience members laughed, it didn't take long before the laughter died as Smith walked up on stage and slapped Rock in the face. As viewers at home and people in the building were all left stunned, it became quickly evident that this was by no means staged as Smith loudly told Rock to "keep my wife's name out of your f***ing mouth!" Despite the ABC broadcast censuring the profanity, international streams quickly captured the heated moment and went viral on social media. While Smith formally apologized to the Academy and his fellow nominees during his acceptance speech for winning his first Oscar, Rock wasn't one of the people he expressed regret to.
Almost 24 hours since the heated moment at the Oscars, Smith has come out with a formal, public apology to Rock. Smith deeply expressed how he regretted his behavior and that while he didn't tolerate Rock's jokes about his wife's medical condition, he acknowledged that violence wasn't the proper response. Check out Smith's full statement, posted on his Instagram, below:
"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"
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At the time of Smith publishing his apology, Rock has not made any public comments after what transpired last night. Rock has reportedly chosen not to press any charges against Smith, although the former has the option to file a police report at a later date. While he has yet to respond, Rock's controversial remarks at Pinkett Smith were reportedly not part of the official rehearsals for this year's Oscars. Only time will tell whether or not Rock will make any public statements or speak to Smith's apology.
While there were claims that the Academy was considering taking back Smith's Oscar, a recent report has clarified that the organization won't take those specific actions. However, Smith is potentially at risk of getting suspended by the Academy as they have started "a formal review" to determine the consequences of the actor's move at the event. As the world is still reacting to Smith and Rock's unforgettable moment, it goes without saying that the 94th Academy Awards will be one that film history never forgets.
Source: Will Smith