Celebrities

Oscars: Will Smith Apologises To Chris Rock Over Assault

Published

29 March 2022

8:33 AM

Popular American actor, Will Smith has apologised to popular comedian Chris Rock for physically assaulting him at the 2022 Oscars Awards on Sunday night.

Naija News had reported that Smith climbed the stage to dish out a resounding slap to Rock for making a joke about the actor’s wife Jada Pinkett Smith.

Chris Rock’s joke about Jada Smith referred to the 1997 film GI Jane, in which Demi Moore played the title role with a severe buzzcut.

Referencing to her shaved hairdo – which is a result of the hair loss condition alopecia.

Angered by the joke about his wife’s looks, Smith walked on stage and struck Rock before returning to his seat and shouting: “Keep my wife’s name out of your fucking mouth.”

Chris Rock, who was stunned by the slap, tried explaining to Will that it was just a joke.

Speaking while receiving his Best Actor award for his role in ‘King Richard’, Smith apologized for his behaviour.

Following the assault on Rock, some movie lovers all over the world took to social media to condemn Smith for attacking his colleague, while others supported his actions.

However, in a statement on his Instagram page on Monday evening, Smith apologised to Rock for smacking him, saying he was embarrassed by his actions.

The actor and comedian stated that his behaviour at the Academy Awards was unacceptable and inexcusable, adding that his actions were uncalled for.

He wrote: “Violence in all of its forms is poisonous and destructive. My behaviour 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 behaviour has stained what has been an otherwise gorgeous journey for all of us.”