Will Smith Issues an Apology

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Will Smith Issues an Apology‍In a video released to YouTube on Friday, actor Will Smith expressed regret for punching host Chris Rock on the live TV broadcast of the year's Academy Awards. Global audiences witnessed Smith enter the stage when Rock cracked a joke about his wife's short hair. Rock received a smack from Smith, who then went and sat back down among the audience and hurled obscenities at him. For his leading part in King Richard's movie, Smith earned the best actor Oscar. About two weeks following the Oscars, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences stated in an official statement that the Board had agreed that Mr. Smith would not be allowed to participate in any Academy activities or events for ten years. This sanction includes in person or online, for ten years which began on April 8, 2022, and includes but isn't restricted to the Academy Awards.The Academy apologized to Rock, the members of the Academy, and the general public. "We want to express our deep gratitude to Mr. Rock for maintaining his composure under extraordinary circumstances." The Board particularly appreciated the calm and grace shown by the hosts, nominees, presenters, and victors during the telecast. Smith's agent at the time, Meredith O'Sullivan, sent USA TODAY a remark in which he stated, "I accept and respect the academy's decision."After the incident, Chris Rock was "not ready to talk," according to Smith, and he will get in touch with him once he is. In the apology video, Will Smith said that "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," he added. "My behavior was unacceptable, and I'm here whenever you are ready to talk." I want to apologize to Chris's mother," he continued. "I saw an interview that Chris's mother did. And, you know, that was one of the things I just didn't realize about that moment. I wasn't thinking how many people got hurt at that moment. So I want to apologize to Chris's mother. Smith apologized to Chris's family, specifically Tony Rock, with whom they formerly had a great relationship. Rock addressed the smack earlier last week when performing stand-up in New Jersey.

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Rock allegedly said in jest, "Anyone who says words hurt has never been punched in the face," noting that he was not a victim and moving on. "I don't go to the hospital for a paper cut," he added. In his video, Will further said, "there is no part of me that thinks that was the right way to behave at that moment." He also added that no part of me thinks that's the optimal way to handle a feeling of disrespect or insults. Smith repeatedly sighed while looking into the camera and seemed to be fighting back the tears. He also asked, "Why didn't you apologize to Chris in your acceptance speech?" His reply was, "That point fogged out me."Smith claims he reacted to Rock's remark regarding his wife's short haircut, a variation of the look Demi Moore had in the film G.I. Jane. Jada Pinkett Smith has openly discussed her battle with alopecia, in which she has hair loss.Another query Smith responded to in the video was, "after Jada rolled her eyes, did she tell you to do something?" He claimed, "I chose on my own, from on my own experiences, from my history with Chris." "Jada had nothing to do with it. I'm sorry, babe."Will then apologized to his fellow nominees for stealing their supporters' attention and the spotlight. He also expressed his regret and apologized to the singer Ahmir "Questlove" Thompson, who won the best documentary Oscar for Summer of Soul shortly after the iconic slap. Smith told Questlove, "It breaks my heart to have stolen and tarnished your moment." And, you know, I'm sorry isn't sufficient.Smith mentioned that he had thought about the Oscars situation a lot throughout the past three months in an attempt to make amends. He said he dislikes disappointing people as he ended the video message. He stated, "Disappointing people is my central trauma. I hate when I let people down. So it hurts me psychologically and emotionally to know that I didn't live up to people's image and impression of me."

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"The work I'm trying to do is deeply remorseful, and I'm trying to be remorseful without being ashamed of myself. Right? I'm human, and I made a mistake, and I'm trying not to think of myself as a piece of sh*t.""I know it was confusing, I know it was shocking," Smith continued. "But I promise you that I am deeply devoted and committed to putting light, love, and joy into the world. And, you know, if you stick with me, I promise we'll be able to be friends again."Following the notorious slap, Smith posted an apology to Rock on Instagram. However, this was his first video message. It was rumored that Smith could talk candidly about the consequences of the Rock smack in a one-on-one discussion during a high-profile sit-down interview such as Oprah Winfrey's show. However, the actor has chosen to speak with his followers directly via social media. Smith uploaded the video onto his 9.83 million-follower YouTube account. Since the Oscars Awards 4 months ago, Smith hasn't shared a video online.CNN claims that during his comedic routine, Chris gently disparaged Smith. "Everybody is trying to be a f*cking victim. Nobody will hear the real victims if everyone claims to be a victim. Even me getting smacked by Suge Smith," Chris remarked during his performance. He added that he got kids and went to work the following day. He also said that anybody who claims that words hurt has never received a punch in the face.

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