Will Smith Apologizes To Chris Rock.
Will apologized for striking the comedian during the 94th Academy Awards with a lengthy letter on Instagram. He also confirmed that the joke mocking Jada Pinkett Smith’s alopecia was what triggered him.
“Violence in all its forms is poisonous and destructive,” wrote Will. “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,” 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 are not indicative of the man I want to be. There is no place for violence in a world of love and kindness.”
The actor then went on to apologize to the academy, producers, attendees, and “everyone watching all around the world.” He also apologized to Venus and Serena Williams’ family and his “King Richard family.”
Will originally left Chris out of his apologies during his Best Actor acceptance speech.
“I want to apologize to the Academy. I want to apologize to all my fellow nominees,” he said. “Art imitates life: I look like the crazy father,” he added. “Just like they said about Richard Williams. But love will make you do crazy things.”
So far Chris Rock has yet to publicly comment.