Forget the snubs, the support extended to Ukraine by celebs, or the other historical moments that took place during the Oscars 2022 yesterday. The event that caught everyone’s attention was Will Smith slapping Chris Rock for a joke.

Smith’s reaction to Rock making fun of his wife, Jada Pinkett Smith’s illness drew mixed reactions from people. While many supported his stand, others thought that it was not right of him to hit the comedian. Regardless of the drama and the opinions, Smith issued a public apology for Rock. 

“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 said.

He went on to add, “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,” he concluded. Rock has not responded to the whole incident. 

The Academy also condemned Smith’s Oscar slap and issued a statement that read, “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.” There are rumours that Will Smith might be asked to return his Oscar as well. 

(Featured Image Credits: Instagram)