Will Smith apologizes for striking Chris Rock at the Oscars
By Sarah Polus - 03/28/22 07:56 PM EDT
Oscar-winning actor Will Smith released a public apology on Monday after slapping comedian Chris Rock during Sunday night's Academy Awards.
In a statement posted to his official Instagram and Facebook accounts, Smith condemned his own behavior, calling it "unacceptable and inexcusable."
Smith made headlines and set social media ablaze after he took to the stage and hit Rock after the comedian made a joke about his wife, Jada Pinkett Smith. Minutes later, the "King Richard" star won the Oscar for best actor.
"I would like to publicly apologize to you, Chris," Smith wrote, adding that violence of any kind is inexcusable.
"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 added.
Smith also apologized to the academy, show producers, attendees, his castmates, television viewers, and the family of tennis stars Venus and Serena Williams, on whom "King Richard" is based.
"I deeply regret that my behavior has stained what has been an otherwise gorgeous journey for all of us," he wrote.
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