Oh, wow. Wow," the Longest Yard star said. "Will Smith just smacked the s—t out of me."
Digital Desk: Breaking his silence, Will Smith spoke out against violence in the aftermath of the controversial incident at the 2022 Oscars, in which the "King Richard" star smacked Chris Rock in the face for making a joke about wife Jada Pinkett Smith's shaved head.
"Violence in all of its forms is poisonous and destructive," Smith, 53, expressed via social media statement on Monday, March 28. "My behavior at last night's Academy Awards was unacceptable and inexcusable."
The Wild, Wild West actor clarified that "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." He went on to say sorry for the way he responded to the 57-year-old comedian's remarks. He apologized for his reaction to the 57-year-old comedian's words.
"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 continued. "I would also like to apologize to The Academy, the producers of the show, all the attendees and everyone watching around the world."
The Philadelphia native, who described himself as a "work in progress," closed by apologising to the Williams family and the actors and crew of King Richard. "I deeply regret that my behavior has stained what has been an otherwise gorgeous journey for all of us," he added.
On March 27, Rock made a joke about Pinkett Smith's buzz cut, comparing it to Demi Moore's in G.I. Jane. "Jada, I love you, G.I. Jane 2, can't wait to see it," said the comic. (The Saturday Night Live alum also chastised the Matrix: Reloaded star at the 2016 Academy Awards, which she skipped due to the lack of diversity among the nominations.)
Pinkett Smith, who has had alopecia for years, was offended by the remark and clearly rolled her eyes in response. Smith chuckled at Rock's statement at first, but his response immediately changed as he stepped on stage and slapped the comic on the cheek.
Oh, wow. Wow," the Longest Yard star said. "Will Smith just smacked the s—t out of me."
The native of Philadelphia wasn't done yet. After returning to his seat, he shouted at Rock. "Stop using my wife's name in your f—king mouth!"
"After the slap, Will was being comforted by Bradley Cooper, Denzel Washington, and others surrounding him, but Will appeared distraught and really unhappy immediately after," one eyewitness told Us Weekly exclusively at the time.
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