The 94th Academy Awards were nothing short of drama this time. However, there is one incident that caught the limelight of the entire world. It was when Will Smith walked up to the stage and slapped comedian Chris Rock. It so happened that the latter cracked a joke about the Aladdin actor’s wife Jada Pinkett Smith. It did not go well with Smith who lost his cool and did the unthinkable. For the unversed, Pinkett Smith is suffering from alopecia, a condition that leads to the loss of hair.
Smith’s public apology
Will Smith has now apologized to Chris Rock, the Academy, and the viewers saying that he went out of the line and that his actions were not indicative of the man he wanted to be. Earlier, Smith did make an apology during his best actor acceptance speech at the Oscars. However, it wasn’t meant for the comedian at that time. While people around the world wrestled regarding their opinions about the incident, the Academy strongly condemned Will Smith for hitting Chris Rock.
What did Will Smith say?
Here is what Will Smith wrote in his public apology on social media.
Violence in all its forms is poisonous and destructive. My behavior at last night’s Academic 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 behavior has strained what has been an otherwise gorgeous journey for all of us.
I am a work in progress.
Sincerely,
Will.
Check out his Instagram post below.
View this post on Instagram
The Academy’s Reaction
The film academy called for a board of governors meeting on Monday to discuss the incident. They also talked about reviewing Smith’s actions and exploring further action and consequences according to the California Law, standards of conduct, and other bylaws. The Los Angeles Police Department also said that they will not be investigating the incident as the person involved (Chris Rock) declined to file a complaint.
What did Chris Rock say?
Chris Rock who was one of the presenters at the Academy Awards cracked a joke with an indirect comment on Jada Pinkett Smith. He also compared her to G.I. Jane 2. This did not go well with Will Smith who reverted by walking to the stage and slapping Chris Rock. He went back to his seat and shouted out loud asking Rock to keep his wife’s name out of his mouth.