Will Smith has apologized for punching Chris Rock at the Oscars on Sunday night and said his behavior was unacceptable.
The 53-year-old wrote in an Instagram post that he was “embarrassed” by his actions, which shocked attendees, producers and viewers at the ceremony.
“Violence in all its forms is poisonous and destructive,” he wrote.
“My behavior at the Oscars last night was unacceptable and inexcusable. Jokes at my expense are part of the job, but a joke about Jada’s health was too much for me and I reacted emotionally.
“I want to apologize to you publicly, Chris. I was out of line and I was wrong. I’m embarrassed and my actions were no indication of the man I want to be. In a world of love and kindness there is no place for violence.’
Smith then apologized to the show’s organizers and producers.
Will Smith slapped Chris Rock onstage at the Oscars on Sunday after the comedian made a joke about his wife Jada Pinkett Smith. Smith apologized on Monday
Rock covers his jaw after being punched in the face, but announced the winner for Best Documentary after a very awkward pause
He also apologized to Venus and Serena Williams’ family. Shortly after beating Rock, Smith won the best actor award for his portrayal of her father Richard – but her family’s history was overshadowed by Smith’s attack on Rock.
“I also want to apologize to the Academy, the show’s producers, all contestants, and all viewers around the world,” Smith continued.
“I would like to apologize to the Williams family and my King Richard family. I deeply regret that my behavior marred an otherwise great trip for all of us.
The Philadelphia-born actor concluded, “I’m still a work in progress. Sincerely, Will.”
His apology came as the group handing out the Oscars on Monday condemned Smith’s actions and said they had launched a formal review of the incident, which cast a shadow over the film’s honours.
Smith took the stage during the live broadcast and slapped Rock in the face after the comedian made a joke about Smith’s wife showing up. Less than an hour later, Smith won Best Actor for his role in King Richard.
In a statement Monday, the 9,900-member Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences said it “condemns Mr. Smith’s actions at last night’s show.”
“We have officially begun a formal review of the incident and will consider further actions and consequences consistent with our bylaws, standards of conduct and California law,” the academy added.
The group’s code of conduct states that it “categorically rejects any form of abuse, harassment or discrimination” and expects members to uphold the values of “respect for human dignity, inclusion and a supportive environment that fosters creativity.”
Violations may result in suspension or expulsion from the group, revocation of Oscars, or ineligibility for future awards, as per policy.
Upon accepting the Best Actor trophy, Smith apologized to the Academy and the other nominees, but not to Rock, and said he hoped to be invited back to the Oscars.
It is rare but not unprecedented for the film academy to revoke membership. Producer Harvey Weinstein was expelled in 2017 after more than three dozen women accused him of sexual assault. Bill Cosby and Roman Polanski were kicked out in 2018.
Cosby was convicted of drug abuse and sexually assaulting a woman in 2004, although a judge later overturned the conviction.
Polanski admitted to having illegal sex with a 13-year-old girl.
Oscars producers had been hoping for a memorable Sunday night to recover from last year’s record-low ratings during the COVID-19 pandemic. They brought in three hosts, opened the show with Beyonce, and tried to keep the show going by editing some acceptance speeches.
But it was Smith’s outburst that became the most talked-about moment of the evening, with images and videos bouncing off social media.
According to preliminary estimates, the number of television viewers rose sharply compared to the previous year to an average of 15.36 million people. That represented an increase of 56% compared to 2021.
The feel-good film “CODA” won Best Picture and marked a turning point in Hollywood as the film was streamed from Apple TV+ (AAPL.O) instead of going exclusively to theaters.
The New York Times, citing two anonymous industry officials, said there had been serious discussions about removing Smith from the Dolby Theater after his attack on Rock.
But time was running out with the best actor award approaching, one of the newspaper’s sources told the newspaper, and those involved had differing opinions on how to proceed.
Many Hollywood celebrities denounced Smith’s actions.
“Will Smith owes Chris Rock a huge apology. There is no excuse for what he did,” filmmaker Rob Reiner said on Twitter.
Others supported Smith in defending his wife.
‘Your husband is supposed to do that, isn’t he? Protect yourself,” comedian Tiffany Haddish told People magazine.