UPDATE: Will Smith Issues Apology for Slapping Chris Rock on Stage
“My behavior at last night’s Academy Awards was unacceptable and inexcusable,” the actor wrote.
UPDATE (March 28, 2022): Will Smith has issued an apology for slapping Chris Rock on stage at the 2022 Oscars.
The actor took to Instagram to share his statement. “Violence in all of its forms is poisonous and destructive. My behavior at last night’s Academy Awards was unacceptable and inexcusable,” he began in his message. “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.”
He then directly apologized to Rock: “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.” He added: “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.”
See the full statement down below.
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UPDATE (March 28, 2022): Chris Rock will not be pressing charges against Will Smith for slapping him on stage during the 2022 Academy Awards. While presenting the best documentary feature award, Rock joked about Smith’s wife Jada Pinkett Smith’s shaved head, prompting Smith to hit him and say, “keep my wife’s name out your f-king mouth” during the live ceremony.
The Los Angeles Police Department reports that Rock declined to file a police report. The department told CNN in a statement, “LAPD investigative entities are aware of an incident between two individuals during the Academy Awards program. The incident involved one individual slapping another. The individual involved has declined to file a police report. If the involved party desires a police report at a later date, LAPD will be available to complete an investigative report.”
UPDATE (March 27, 2022): Minutes after slapping Chris Rock on stage, Will Smith apologized for doing so while accepting his Best Actor award at the 2022 Academy Awards.
He stepped onto the stage with tears in his eyes as he won his first Oscar. “I want to apologize to The Academy, I want to apologize to all my fellow nominees. This is a beautiful moment.” He then continued, thanking Serena and Venus Williams: “I’m not crying for winning an award, it’s not about winning an award for me… “It’s about being able to shine a light on all of the people. Art imitates life, I look like the crazy father just like they said about Mr. Williams. Love makes you do crazy things.”
Watch Smith’s acceptance speech here.
ORIGINAL STORY (March 27, 2022): Will Smith slapped and yelled at Chris Rock on stage, telling the comedian to “keep my wife’s name out your f-king mouth” at the 2022 Oscars.
Rock took the stage to present the best documentary feature award at the 94th Academy Awards, which is taking place at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. The comedian attempted to make a few jokes about the celebrities in attendance. Referencing Jada Pinkett Smith’s shaved head, he commented: “Jada, I love you. GI Jane 2, can’t wait to see you.” The Matrix actor was seen rolling her eyes at the joke, which led Will Smith to stand up from his seat and walk on stage. He then slapped Rock and went back to his seat.
“Will Smith just smacked the sh-t out of me,” Rock said, as Smith proceeded to shout: “Keep my wife’s name out your f-king mouth.” Jada Pinket Smith had previously opened up about having alopecia, a hair loss condition.
See a clip of the incident here.
