Newly-crowned Oscar winner Will Smith has apologized for striking Chris Rock at the just concluded Recording Academy Awards.
Following the televised altercation that has the globe at a standstill, Smith, who collected the Best Actor trophy for his starring role in Warner Bros’ King Richard biopic drama moments after striking Rock in the face, has apologized to both the comedian and the Academy. Taking to his social media, the legendary big screen deemed his behavior ‘unacceptable and inexcusable,’ further reckoning: “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 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.”
He went on to acknowledge that violence in all forms is poisonous and destructive. “ I would also like to apologise to the Academy, the producers of the show, all the attendees and everyone watching around the world,” as well as the family of tennis stars Venus and Serena Williams and those involved with the film for which he won his best actor award on Sunday. 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.
His apology comes merely a few hours after the Oscars confirmed that they have launched an investigation into the slap that was heard around the world. In a statement, they said that they would explore further action and consequences across California law and the organisation’s standards of conduct. Saying they condemn the Oscar winner’s actions, they added: “We have officially started a formal review around the incident and will explore further action and consequences in accordance with our Bylaws, Standards of Conduct and California law.
Smith shockingly put the paws on Rock after the latter made fun of Jada Pinkett Smith’s bald look while on stage to present an award. He alluded to Pinkett starring in a remake of 1997’s G.I Jane.
