Will Smith Apologizes To Chris Rock Over ‘Inexcusable’ Oscars’ Slap

Will Smith apologized to Chris Rock for his “out of line” behavior at Sunday night’s Oscars, where he slapped the comedian after making an insensitive joke about Smith’s wife, Jada Pinkett Smith.

The joke made by Rock was regarding Pinkett Smith’s shaved head, which the actress has publicly said is due to her alopecia diagnosis. Seeing how the joke had upset his wife, the King Richard actor impulsively acted on her behalf in front of the Dolby Theater crowd and the millions of worldwide viewers of the ceremony. Thirty minutes later, Smith won the Academy Award for Best Actor.

Early Monday, the actor issued a public apology on Instagram to Rock, reflecting on his harmful actions, which he didn’t mention during his acceptance speech.

“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,” Smith wrote on Instagram. “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.”

Smith also apologizes to the Academy, producers of the telecast, attendees, viewers and the Williams family.

“I would also like to apologize to the Academy, the producers of the show, all the attendees and everyone watching around the world,” Smith added. “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.”

Though Rock said that he will not press charges against Smith, the Academy announced that the incident is now under investigation and would consider action against Smith for his violent outburst.

“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 Academy’s statement read.