Will Smith apologized to Chris Rock, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (host of the Oscars) and the audience after slapping the comedian on stage at the 94th Academy Awards. The actor said that he "exceeded the target" and that his actions "were not indicative of the man I want to be."
When accepting the "Best Actor" award, Will apologized to the Academy, but did not specifically mention Chris Rock. In a post on social media, Smith wrote that he "reacted emotionally" to Chris Rock's joke about his wife, Jada Pinket Smith, who talked about hair loss because she has alopecia.
"Violence in all its forms is poisonous and destructive," Smith said. "My behavior at the Oscars was unacceptable and unforgivable. Jokes are part of the job, but a joke about Jada's health was too much for me and I reacted emotionally. I would like to apologize publicly to you, Chris. I missed the target and made a mistake. I am ashamed 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."
The actor apologized to the Film Academy, TV broadcast producers, attendees, viewers and the Williams family. Will Smith was named "Best Actor" for the role as Richard Williams, the father of Venus and Serena Williams.
"I am deeply sorry that my behavior has tarnished what has been a wonderful journey for all of us," he said.
Chris Rock has not spoken publicly about everything that happened. The Los Angeles Police Department said Sunday it was aware of the incident but had not launched an investigation because Rock had refused to sue Will.
