Will Smith feels “deep regret” for slapping Chris Rock at the March Academy Awards.
Friday, Smith uploaded a video to his verified Instagram account that began with the words “It’s been a while.”
The statement reads, “Over the past few months, I’ve done a great deal of thinking and personal work…” I’d want to take some time to respond to the numerous pertinent questions you’ve posed.
Smith then joins the scene and explains to the camera why he did not apologise to Rock at his Oscars acceptance speech after winning best actor for his part in “King Richard.”
Smith states, “At that time, I was hazy.” It’s unclear. I’ve reached out to Chris, and I’ve received the message that he’s not ready to talk, but he will contact out when he’s ready. So, Chris, I apologise. My behaviour was wrong, and I’m available anytime you’re ready to talk.
CNN has contacted Rock’s agents for comment.
Smith also apologises to Rock’s mother, family, and brother Tony, who starred in the 2007 sitcom “All of Us,” which he and his wife Jada Pinkett Smith created.
Smith states, “Our relationship was fantastic.” Tony Rock was my man, and the situation is likely irreversible.
Smith stormed onto the Oscars stage and slapped host Chris Rock when he made a joke about his wife’s buzz cut.
Will Smith and Chris Rock performed at the Academy Awards.
Alopecia, an autoimmune disorder that can cause hair loss, is the cause of Pinkett Smith’s thinning hair.
In his video, Smith also responds to the topic of whether his wife requested him to do something when she rolled her eyes at Rock’s joke by stating that she did not.
In the post, he extends apologies to her, their children, and his fellow Academy Award nominees.
Smith states that he has “spent the last three months replaying and analysing the nuances and complexity of that moment.”
He continues, “I’m not going to try to unravel all of that right now, but I can assure you that there is no part of me that believes it was the appropriate way to behave in that time.” There is no part of me that believes that is the best approach to respond to feelings of disrespect or contempt.
Smith says that it kills him to realise he did not live up to the expectations of others.
“My fundamental trauma is disappointing people,” he adds. “I hate letting people down, therefore it hurts.”
Smith said in a statement to his supporters that he is “dedicated to bringing light, love, and happiness to the globe.”
“If you persevere, I promise that we may become friends again,” he concludes.
The Academy has punished Smith by prohibiting his attendance at the Oscars for the next decade.