Will Smith opens up about slapping Chris Rock for the first time: ‘My behavior was unacceptable’

Will Smith broke the silence and spoke for the first time about the aggression against Chris Rock at the Oscar this year, after the comedian made a comment about the wife of Smith, Jada Pinkett Smith.

rock presented the award for best documentary, when he made a joke about the shaved head of jada, who has alopecia, a disease that causes hair loss. The actor talks about his thoughts and consequences of the argument, it damaged his public image.

Four months after the episode, the actor posted a nearly six-minute video on his YouTube channel in which he comments on the case. Firstly, Smith addressed why he didn’t apologize with rock when he received the award for best actor for your work in King Richards: Creating Champions (2021).

It’s all confusing. I contacted Chris and the message that came back is that he is not ready to speak and when he is he will get back to you.

On video, Smith reveals he is sorry for his actions, calling his behavior “unacceptable”. The actor also apologizes to the comedian’s mother and family. “I didn’t think about how hurt people were at that moment.”

“There’s no part of me that thinks that was the right way to behave at that moment,” he says. Smith, who sighs deeply at times and seems to be fighting back tears. “There is no part of me that thinks this is the ideal way to deal with a feeling of disrespect or insults.”

Smith also responded to allegations about Pinkett Smith have encouraged the aggression, after being filmed rolling her eyes at the joke of rock with your appearance. The actor revealed that it was, in fact, a thoughtless act, and his wife said nothing to encourage him to attack. rock.

Not. I made a choice out of my own experience, my own story, my story with Chris. Jada has nothing to do with it. Sorry love. I also want to say sorry to my children.

Smith closes the video with the promise to learn from his mistakes, also asking forgiveness from the audience who were somehow disappointed with the actor’s attitude. “I’m deeply sorry, but I’m trying to have remorse without being ashamed of myself,” he blurts out.

I’m human, I made a mistake and I’m trying not to think of myself as a piece of shit. Disappointing people is my core trauma. I hate when I let people down.

“I know it was confusing, I know it was shocking,” he says. “But I promise you, I am deeply dedicated and committed to putting light, love and joy in the world. And, you know, if you can stand it, I promise we can be friends again.”

Will Smith and Oprah Winfrey

There were speculations that Smith would open up about the fallout surrounding the Oscars episode with Chris Rock in an interview with Oprah Winfrey, but instead the actor chose to use social media to address his fans directly. After the slap, Smith resigned to Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciencesthe group behind the Oscars.