‘I was out of line, and I was wrong’: Will Smith Publicly Apologizes to Chris Rock

Will Smith issued an apology to Chris Rock for slapping him during the 2022 Academy Awards on Sunday night.

During the show, Smith stormed the stage and slapped the actor for making a bald remark about his wife, Jada Pinkett Smith, who has alopecia.

Smith, 53, returned to his seat after the slap heard ’round the world and twice yelled at Rock, 57, to “keep my wife’s name out of your f–king mouth.”

Shortly afterward, he went on to win the night’s most prestigious award for his performance as Venus and Serena’s father, Richard Williams, in “King Richard.”

Smith made an apology to everybody except Rock during his acceptance speech.

Here’s what Will Smith said to Chris Rock on Instagram:

“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.”

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