Oscars slapgate - Will Smith shares emotional apology video
Will says he has reached out to Chris Rock but the comedian is not ready to talk to him.
Will Smith is "deeply remorseful" for his "unacceptable" behaviour at the 2022 Oscars. The actor has released a new apology video.
Will received widespread backlash after slapping Chris Rock at the live ceremony in March.
The drama started after Chris made a joke about Will's wife, Jada Pinkett Smith.
"Jada, I love you. GI Jane 2, can't wait to see you,” the comedian said in reference to Jada's bald head. The actress, who suffers from alopecia, rolled her eyes in response.
A visibly angry Will then walked onto the stage and slapped Chris. He was banned from future Oscar ceremonies for 10 years.
The 53-year-old says he has "been doing a lot of thinking and personal work" over the last few months.
"I've reached out to Chris and the message that came back is that he's not ready to talk and when he is, he will reach out. So I will say to you Chris, I apologize to you. My behavior was unacceptable and I'm here whenever you are ready to talk," Will said in the video.
The 'Bad Boys' actor also apologised to Chris' mother and his brother Tony Rock. While Chris has remained mum following the incident, his family publicly criticised Will.
"I wasn’t thinking about how many people got hurt in that moment. I want to apologize to Chris’ mother. I want to apologise to Chris' family, specifically, Tony Rock. You know, we had a great relationship. Tony Rock was my man. And this is probably irreparable."
Will also addressed remarks by some that Jada urged him to defend her. He says the 'Red Table Talk' host did no such thing.
"I made a choice on my own, from my own experiences... Jada had nothing to do with it. I'm sorry, babe. I want to say sorry to my kids and my family for the heat that I brought on all of us," he said.
Watch the full video below.
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Will also shared the apology video on his YouTube page.
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Main image credit: Instagram/@willsmith