Will Smith has apologized for slapping Chris Rock on the Oscars stage on Sunday night. During the event, Smith interrupted a monologue of Rock’s after the latter joked about his wife, Jada Pinkett Smith; being bald. Smith walked up to the stage and slapped Rock, then after returning to his seat, yelled at the presenting comedian, ‘Keep my wife’s name out of your fucking mouth.‘
Later that evening, Smith was awarded the Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role for his work in King Richard. Smith apologized to the Academy and his “fellow nominees” through tears during his acceptance speech, speaking about his efforts to protect his family and “be a river to my people” – despite being defended by Denzel Washington – and apologized to the Academy and his “fellow nominees.”
Smith’s act, which appeared to be a comedic skit at first, stunned both audience inside the Dolby Theatre and viewers at home. However, it quickly became clear that the dramatic moment was not planned. Smith used his victory speech to invoke his “King Richard” character, a man who was heavily scrutinized by the media for his intense loyalty to his family, without directly addressing the incident.
Later, Smith posted on his social media handle that “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.
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.”
The post continued, “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.”
“Richard Williams was a zealous protector of his family,” Smith said. “At this point in my life, I am overwhelmed by what God is calling me to do and be in this world.” I got to protect Aunjanue Ellis, who is one of the strongest and most delicate people I’ve ever met while making this film. I had to guard Saniyya [Sidney] and Demi [Singleton], the actresses who played Venus and Serena.”
“I’m being called on in my life to love people, to protect people, and to be a river to my people,” he continued. I understand that in order to do what we do, you must be able to take abuse. You must be able to make people rave about you. You have to be able to put up with people disrespecting you in this business. And you have to smile and act as if everything is fine.”
Smith then brought up an earlier conversation with fellow best actor nominee Denzel Washington, who stopped by during the commercial breaks after the incident with Rock. Smith was also visited at his seat by his publicist, Meredith O. Sullivan, and Oscar producer Will Packer following the incident with Rock.
