Will Smith publicly apologizes to Chris Rock for Oscar slap

______________________________

Will Smith’s stunt – slapping comedian Chris Rock for a bad prank on his wife Jada Pinkett Smith – cost the actor too much. Public censure, a 10-year ban from all film academy events and frozen projects with Smith – Will clearly had something to think about the last four months. And last night, he finally decided to publicly explain his behavior. In social networks, he published a short video with an appeal to the public and to Chris Rock personally.

For the past few months I have been thinking a lot and working on myself. You have asked many fair questions that I would like to answer,” Smith began with these words.

Chris Rock and Will Smith

And first of all, he explained why he delayed explaining what happened, and did not do it right away.

That evening I lost my mind. Everything was in a blur… Later, of course, I contacted Chris, but in response I received a message in which he said that he was not ready to talk now. And when it’s ready, you’ll be in touch. So I want to tell you now, Chris. I am very sorry to you. My behavior was unacceptable! I also want to apologize to Chris’ mother. I saw the interview given by Chris’ mother. And at that moment it was one of the things that I just did not realize. I wasn’t thinking about how many people were hurt at that moment. So I want to apologize to Chris’ mother. I want to apologize to Chris’ family. Specifically in front of Tony Rock. We had a great relationship. Tony Rock was my man. And it’s probably irreparable.”

Smith said he “spent the last three months replaying and understanding the nuances and complexities of what happened at that moment.”

I’m not going to unpack all this now. But I can tell you all that no part of me thinks it was the right thing to do at that moment. No part of me thinks this was the best way to deal with feeling disrespected or insulted.

In addition, actor Will clarified that his wife Jada Pinkett Smith was not the very reason he wanted to hit The Rock. It turned out that it was not in Jada’s ridiculed bald head, but in personal relationships between men.

I made the choice myself. From my own experience, from my history with Chris, Jada has nothing to do with this.

In the video, Smith was also asked what he would say to his fans who are disappointed with his actions.

Disappointing people is my main trauma. I hate it when I let people down. It is psychologically and emotionally painful for me to realize that I do not correspond to the image and impression of people about me. I deeply repent and try to repent without being ashamed of myself. I am human. And I made a mistake. And I try not to think of myself as a piece of shit. I know it was all shocking. But I promise you that I am deeply remorseful and determined to bring light, love and joy into the world. And if you can trust me, we can be friends again.

Recall that after the Oscar ceremony Will Smith hit the host, comedian Chris Rock for making a joke about his wife Jada, many viewers as well as colleagues condemned him. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences also noted that violence in any form is unacceptable. Will Smith himself apologized twice. Once when he received an Oscar for his role in the film “King Richard”, and the second – publicly on social networks, making a statement.

Jokes about me are part of the job, but the joke about Jada’s health was unbearable for me, so I reacted emotionally. I would like to publicly apologize to you, Chris. I crossed the line and I was wrong,” he said.