Will Smith Issues Formal Apology for Slapping Chris Rock at Oscars: “I Am a Work in Progress”

Will Smith has issued a formal apology for slapping Chris Rock at Sunday night’s Oscars ceremony.

Monday the “King Richard” star took to Instagram to apologize for “unacceptable and inexcusable” behavior at the awards show.

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“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,” he said.

“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.,” he continued.

“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.”

He closed his statement by saying he is a “work in progress.

Sunday night Smith took the stage to slap actor and comedian Chris Rock who made a joke about Jada Pinkett-Smith’s hair. Jada has been vocal about her struggle with alopecia.