Will Smith slapped Chris Rock on the Academy Awards stage after Jada Smith joke; Credits: StyleCaster
Drama is synonymous with Hollywood, but no one had ever imagined that there would be a day when an A-list celebrity would angrily get on a stage and slap a performer while the other celebrity shared a sensitive joke targeting a specific person's medical condition.
But that is exactly what happened when Chris Rock made fun of Jada Pinkett Smith's alopecia, and Will Smith spiraled out of control, slapping the comedian right on the stage with a live audience in the number of thousands. While he refused to apologize to the performer at the time, the Bel-Air actor has finally issued his formal apology for the attack at Sunday night's Oscar event.
The actor wrote in his apology that violence should never be condemned, and is toxic and damaging regardless of where it originated from. He admitted that he should not have lost control at the Academy Awards event and that his slap could not be excused and remains as inappropriate as ever.
He presented his defense saying that as an actor, he has learned to accept jokes as a part of his status in the Hollywood industry. However, a joke at the expense of his wife, Jada Pinkett Smith, was unacceptable for him to endure. His emotions got the best of him as he ascended the stage to defend his wife's honor.
He directly called out to Chris, saying that he publicly apologizes for his mistake and realizes that the slap was entirely out of bounds and something he should not have done. He also admitted that his reckless behavior has embarrassed him.
Will Smith added that he does not want to be a violent man and stated that his actions should not be taken into account when judging what kind of a man he is. He shared that he believes that violence does not deserve a place that could be built on "love and kindness."
Additionally, the actor also issued an apology to the Academy for his behavior and how they reflected on the show. He apologized to the Academy organization, the producers of the show, the invited guests, and every other audience member who witnessed the slap.
He also apologized to the teams of the latest films he starred in, referring to the King Richard crewmates and the Williams, on whom the film is based. It's safe to say that Will Smith actually regrets his moment of uncontrollable rage and that one mistake could make him lose his Oscar and also earn him expulsion from further Academy Award shows.
He admitted that his slap turned the atmosphere sour, while it could have been an amazing experience for the attendees and the onlookers. However, he has agreed to be a work in progress. Hence, his fans can hope for him to be a better man in the future.
The incredibly horrifying event had taken place on Sunday 25th at the Oscars award presentation ceremony. Chris Rock was in possession of the stage as the comedian shared jokes, but with one line, he took his joke a step too far.
Apparently, the comedian shared that he was excited about the G.I. Jane sequel and predicted that Jada Pinkett Smith would star in the film. It is important to mention that Jada sported a bald head at the Oscars, like the bald haircut of the Jane character in the 1997 movie.
Though the joke could have been funny if Jada's bald head was a fashion choice. Unfortunately, the star has been suffering from alopecia for a while and was forced to say goodbye to her locks. Though the audience nervously chuckled at the joke, the line got to Will Smith, and he ran to the stage, slapped Chris Rock, and returned to his seat at Jada's side.
Many celebs still nervously giggled at the slap, thinking that it was all a part of the action, while others were too dumbfounded to react. Will Smith proved it was not a planned rank as he came back to his and started an angry rant, featuring some swear words and demanding that Chris Rock keep Will's wife's name out of his mouth.
The slap was a collective moment of shock for the entire Oscar audience, and soon the Academy watchers flooded the internet demanding that Will Smith be not presented the Academy Award. The actor won the award for his role in King Richard when he apologized to the Academy for his actions.
He had included his fellow nominees in the apology but totally left out the scene with Cris Rock. Rock had denied pressing charges against Will as Academy volunteered to investigate the case but shared recently that he was too stunned at the moment to make a decision.
He admitted that as he cried clutching his Oscar, he looked like the crazy father as they showed in the film King Richard about Richard Williams and his tennis star daughter, Venus and Serena Williams.
The Academy is still meeting on the decision regarding whether Will Smith will be allowed to keep his award or not.
