Will Smith apologizes after slapping Chris Rock at the Oscars 2022 on Sunday night, posted on his Instagram.
“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.”
“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.”
The incident happened when Rock presented the best documentary award and made a joke about Jada Pinkett Smith being in a sequel to “G.I. Jane.” The fact Jada Pinkett Smith has alopecia, which causes hair loss (similar to the image of G.I. Jane’s actress). Will Smith – her husband then ran on stage, slapping Rock. “Keep my wife’s name out of your f**king mouth!”. Smith yelled once he was seated.
Watch the uncensored moment Will Smith smacks Chris Rock on stage at the Oscars
The moment stunned viewers and stars. Later, Smith won the Oscar for best actor for his performance in “King Richard.” In his speech, he apologized to the Academy and his fellow nominees but did not mention Rock.
During commercial breaks, both Smith’s publicist and Denzel Washington were seen talking to the actor. Smith shared the advice Washington gave him: “At your highest moment, be careful, that’s when the devil comes for you.”
Smith’s entire speech after receiving the Oscar statuette
