Will Smith apologises to Chris Rock for "inexcusable" attack

By Neil Wilkes, Editor-in-chief | 29 March 2022

Will Smith breaks his silence to issue an apology after slapping Chris Rock during this year's Oscars ceremony.

Will Smith has issued an apology for his "unacceptable and inexcusable" behaviour at the Oscars ceremony on Sunday night.

In a moment that shocked the watching world, Smith stormed up on stage and slapped Chris Rock in the face after the comedian made a joke about his wife Jada Pinkett Smith.

Returning to his seat, the King Richard star angrily shouted profanity at Rock, who appeared visibly shaken but managed to continue with his segment.

Taking to Instagram on Monday night, Smith 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.

"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."

Minutes after the shock incident, Smith was awkwardly named the winner of the Best Actor award, prompting him to give a tear-filled, lengthy acceptance speech.

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