There are more developments regarding Will Smith and Chris Rock’s shocking onstage incident at the Oscars.
At the 94th Academy Awards on Sunday, April 2, people were left stunned as Will Smith went onstage and hit Chris Rock with a slap to the face after Chris made a joke about Will’s wife Jada. Will returned to his seat and went on to direct expletive-laden shouts at Chris. Moments after, Will won the Best Actor award and in a tearful speech he apologized to the Academy — though notably not to Chris. Will and his family went on to celebrate at an Oscars after-party following the ceremony.
The day after the Oscars, Will finally issued a formal apology to Chris. In a post on Instagram, the 53-year-old actor 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 part of the job, but a joke about Jada’s medical condition was too much for me to bear and I reacted emotionally.
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.”
An apology from Chris Rock to Will Smith, where he refers to making a joke about Jada’s bald head as him having “crossed a line that I shouldn’t have and paid the enormous price of my reputation as a renown comedian,” has been called out as fake by Chris’ representative.
Sources have stated however that Chris has no idea that Jada has alopecia.
Richard Williams has weighed in on Will’s controversial actions as well. Will won the Best Actor Oscar for his portrayal of Richard, the tennis coach father to Venus and Serena Williams, in the film “King Richard.” Richard said of Will’s actions:
“We don’t know all the details of what happened.
But we don’t condone anyone hitting anyone else unless it’s in self-defense.”
SAG-AFTRA has likewise released a statement in response to the incident. If you can recall, several other organizations have spoken out on the matter, including the LAPD and the Academy. Now, SAG-AFTRA, the union representing actors (which include the presenters at the Oscars) is addressing the situation:
“As the union representing presenters and other performers working on the Oscars, SAG-AFTRA is focused on ensuring our members always work in a safe environment.
Violence or physical abuse in the workplace is never appropriate and the union condemns any such conduct.
The incident involving Will Smith and Chris Rock at last night’s Academy Awards was unacceptable. We have been in contact with the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and ABC about this incident and will work to ensure this behavior is appropriately addressed.
SAG-AFTRA does not comment on any pending member disciplinary process.”
