Will Smith has publicly apologized for slapping comedian Chris Rock during Sunday’s Oscars. The actor explained via Instagram on Monday that he was embarrassed by the incident. “My conduct at the Academy Awards yesterday was unacceptable and inexcusable,” Smith said.
He wanted to apologize to Rock, the organizers, the viewers and everyone involved in the film “King Richard”. “Jokes at my expense are part of the job, but a joke about Jada’s health was too much for me and I reacted emotionally,” Smith continues.
Comedian Chris Rock poked fun at Jada Pinkett Smith at Sunday night’s show in Los Angeles, prompting the actor to laugh before rushing onto the stage and slapping the comedian. After that, he returned to his seat and shouted in the direction of Rock: “Keep my wife’s name out of your damn mouth!”
Critical voices in the American media increased over the course of Monday, including the handling of the incident. The board of directors of the Academy, which awards the Oscars, has called a special meeting. “The Academy condemns Mr. Smith’s actions at yesterday’s show,” the organizers said in a statement. “We have officially started a formal investigation into the incident and will be reviewing further proceedings and consequences.” The Academy didn’t respond at all during the event, and Smith received the Best Actor award shortly after the incident. Later in the evening, the organizers communicated via Twitterto tolerate “no form of violence”.