Hollywood actor, Will Smith says “violence in all of its forms is poisonous and destructive”, barely a day after slapping comedian Chris Rock over a joke.
Smith, who won Best Actor at the 2022 Oscars, stated this in a statement he personally signed and he put out via his verified Facebook page on Monday evening.
In a scene that shocked the world, the popular actor walked briskly to the stage as Rock spoke and slapped him for mocking his wife, Jada Pinkett-Smith’s bald head. Pinkett-Smith suffers from alopecia, a condition that causes hair loss.
Smith’s action generated controversy across the globe, with many calling on The Academy Awards to strip him of his Best Actor award.
However, the 53-year-old actor has now apologised to Rock, 57, over the incident.
He 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.”
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