A day after slapping Chris Rock at the 2022 Oscars, Will Smith has apologized to the comedian.
In an Instagram post, the Best Actor winner wrote, “Violence in all of its forms is poisonous and destructive. My behavior at last night’s Academy Awards as unacceptable and inexcusable. Jokes at my expense are a part of the job, but a joke about my 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,” he continued, which was the first time the Oscar winner directly apologized to the man he hit. “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,” the actor continued. “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.”
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Many are asking the question, could Will Smith lose his award for Best Actor following his actions?
In a statement issued Monday, the academy announced it was now reviewing the incident. “The Academy condemns the actions of Mr. Smith at last night’s show. 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,” the statement reads, according to The Associated Press.
CBS News reports that ‘the code states the academy’s board can suspend or expel those who violate the code of conduct or who “compromise the integrity” of the academy.”
Chris Rock declined to file a police report against Smith.
The Academy does not condone violence of any form.
Tonight we are delighted to celebrate our 94th Academy Awards winners, who deserve this moment of recognition from their peers and movie lovers around the world.
— The Academy (@TheAcademy) March 28, 2022
Editorial credit: DFree