By Ife Osemedua
365Daily – American superstar actor, Will Smith has apologized to controversial comedian, Chris Rock, for slapping him on stage at the 94th Academy Awards on Sunday night, over what many considered as insensitive joke about Smith’s wife, Jada.
Smith had walked up to the stage, in a programme televised live to a global audience and slapped Rock after warning him to desist from making his wife a subject of his jokes.
He described his action on the night as unacceptable and inexcusable.
In a statement on Monday, March 28, 2022, He said:”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 a 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.
“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.”
Smith’s statement came hours after the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences released a statement saying it condemned the actor’s actions.
“The Academy condemns the actions of Mr. Smith at last night’s show,” the organization said Monday. “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.”