Celebrity
“A joke about Jada’s medical condition was too much for me to bear” Will Smith formally Apologizes to Chris Rock
American actor, Will Smith has formally apologized to Chris Rock for slapping him during Sunday’s Academy Award ceremony.
It could be recalled that prior to accepting the award for best actor later in the evening, the actor slapped the comedian for making a joke about his wife, Jada’s health condition.
When he accepted his Oscar, he apologized to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences as well as his fellow nominees. However, he didn’t mention Chris while tendering the apology.
Reacting to this, the Academy condemned Will’s action.
In a statement on Monday, the film academy revealed its plans to launch a formal review of his actions.
“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.” It said.
However, Chris declined to press charges over the incident, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.
Taking to his Instagram page, Will Smith formally apologized to Chris Rock.
He called his behaviour “unacceptable and inexcusable”, stating that he went emotional after the comedian joked about Jada’s medical condition.
In his words;
“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.”
