Will Smith has broken his silence after slapping Chris Rock at the Oscars on Sunday night.
The comedian was presenting the Best Documentary Oscar when he made a joke about the Men In Black star’s wife Jada Pinkett Smith, apparently alluding to her bald head by calling her “G.I. Jane”.
After Chris made the joke, Will stormed onto the stage, slapped Chris across the face and warned him: “Keep my wife’s name out your f***ing mouth!”
Will Smith slapped Chris Rock in the face at the #Oscars last night after he made a “GI Jane” joke about his wife Jada.
The comedian was referring to the actress’s bald hair, despite Jada previously revealing this was due to alopecia 😬 pic.twitter.com/H6HO1xMNGF
— Goss.ie (@goss_ie) March 28, 2022
In a statement shared on Monday, The Academy confirmed they had launched a formal review into Will’s actions.
They wrote: “The Academy condemns the actions of Mr. Smith at last night’s show. 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.”
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Will is likely to be disciplined for his actions, and he may face possible suspension of his Academy membership.
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Taking to Instagram on Monday evening, Will publicly apologised to Chris for slapping him, admitting he “reacted emotionally” to the joke because his wife suffers from alopecia – a condition that causes hair loss.
He wrote: “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.”
Will and Jada Smith are here 💚 #Oscars pic.twitter.com/8lAN8AXs0j
— Goss.ie (@goss_ie) March 27, 2022
Will continued: “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. Sincerely, Will.”
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