United States: American actor Will Smith apologized to comedian Chris Rock on Monday (local time) for punching him during the Oscars, saying he was “out of place and embarrassed”. “I want to publicly apologize to you, Chris. I was out of place and I was wrong. I am embarrassed and my actions were not indicative of the man I want to be. There is no place in a world of love and kindness for violence,” Smith wrote on Instagram.
“Violence in all its forms is toxic and destructive. My behavior at the Oscars last night was unacceptable and inexcusable. Jokes at my expense are part of the job, but one joke about Jada’s health was too much for me. I reacted emotionally,” Smith said in his apology.
He also apologizes to the Academy for punching comedian Chris Rock at Oscars.
“I would also like to apologize to the Academy, the producers of the show , of all the candidates and of all the viewers around the world. I would like to apologize to the Williams family and my King Richard family. I deeply regret that my behavior tainted what has otherwise been a beautiful journey for all of us,” he wrote.
“I’m still a work in progress,” Smith added. Will Smith slapped comedian Chris Rock on stage after coming across the joke to his wife Jada Pinkett had annoyed Smith.
Smith initially laughed but Jada looked visibly affected by the joke. Smith then took the stage to punch Rock. A few minutes after the incident, Smith won the best actor award at the Oscars and during his acceptance speech he apologized for his behavior.
The 94th Academy Awards took place at the Dolby Theater in Los Angeles on Sunday.
