Will Smith apologizes to Chris Rock for slapping him on Oscars stage
The day after slapping Chris Rock on the stage of the 94th Academy Awards, Will Smith issued an apology to the comedian, the academy and viewers at home, saying he was “out of line” and that his actions are “not indicative of the man I want to be.”
The fallout of Sunday’s show continued Monday as the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences condemned Smith’s onstage assault and said it would launch an inquiry into it. Later in the day, Smith gave a stronger apology than he did in his best actor acceptance speech, which notably didn’t include apologizing to Rock.
“Violence in all of its forms is poisonous and destructive,” said Smith. “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. 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.”
Smith added apologies to the film academy, producers of the telecast, attendees, viewers and the Williams family. Smith was honored for his role as Richard Williams, father of Venus and Serena.
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Will Smith and Chris Rock have a history that predates the Oscars slapChris Pizzello
Hosts Amy Schumer, from left, Wanda Sykes, and Regina Hall appear on stage at the Oscars on Sunday, March 27, 2022, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
Chris PizzelloHosts Amy Schumer, from left, Wanda Sykes, and Regina Hall appear on stage at the Oscars on Sunday, March 27, 2022, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
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Will Smith and Chris Rock have a history that predates the Oscars slapChris Pizzello
Daniel Kaluuya, left, and H.E.R. present the award for best performance by an actress in a supporting role at the Oscars on Sunday, March 27, 2022, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
Chris PizzelloDaniel Kaluuya, left, and H.E.R. present the award for best performance by an actress in a supporting role at the Oscars on Sunday, March 27, 2022, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
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Will Smith and Chris Rock have a history that predates the Oscars slapChris Pizzello
Ariana DeBose reacts in the audience as she is announced winner for best performance by an actress in a supporting role for "West Side Story" at the Oscars on Sunday, March 27, 2022, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
Chris PizzelloAriana DeBose reacts in the audience as she is announced winner for best performance by an actress in a supporting role for "West Side Story" at the Oscars on Sunday, March 27, 2022, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
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Will Smith and Chris Rock have a history that predates the Oscars slapChris Pizzello
Ariana DeBose accepts the award for best performance by an actress in a supporting role for "West Side Story" at the Oscars on Sunday, March 27, 2022, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
Chris PizzelloAriana DeBose accepts the award for best performance by an actress in a supporting role for "West Side Story" at the Oscars on Sunday, March 27, 2022, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
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Will Smith and Chris Rock have a history that predates the Oscars slapChris Pizzello
Host Regina Hall speaks at the Oscars on Sunday, March 27, 2022, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
Chris PizzelloHost Regina Hall speaks at the Oscars on Sunday, March 27, 2022, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
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Will Smith and Chris Rock have a history that predates the Oscars slapChris Pizzello
Wesley Snipes, from left, Rosie Perez and Woody Harrelson present the award for best cinematography at the Oscars on Sunday, March 27, 2022, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
Chris PizzelloWesley Snipes, from left, Rosie Perez and Woody Harrelson present the award for best cinematography at the Oscars on Sunday, March 27, 2022, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
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Will Smith and Chris Rock have a history that predates the Oscars slapChris Pizzello
Sebastian Yatra performs "Dos Oruguitas" from "Encanto" at the Oscars on Sunday, March 27, 2022, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
Chris PizzelloSebastian Yatra performs "Dos Oruguitas" from "Encanto" at the Oscars on Sunday, March 27, 2022, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
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Will Smith and Chris Rock have a history that predates the Oscars slapChris Pizzello
Sebastian Yatra performs "Dos Oruguitas" from "Encanto" at the Oscars on Sunday, March 27, 2022, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
Chris PizzelloSebastian Yatra performs "Dos Oruguitas" from "Encanto" at the Oscars on Sunday, March 27, 2022, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
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Will Smith and Chris Rock have a history that predates the Oscars slapChris Pizzello
Sheila E. performs at the Oscars on Sunday, March 27, 2022, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
Chris PizzelloSheila E. performs at the Oscars on Sunday, March 27, 2022, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
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Will Smith and Chris Rock have a history that predates the Oscars slapChris Pizzello
Youn Yuh-jung, right, presents Troy Kotsur with the award for best performance by an actor in a supporting role for "CODA" at the Oscars on Sunday, March 27, 2022, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
Chris PizzelloYoun Yuh-jung, right, presents Troy Kotsur with the award for best performance by an actor in a supporting role for "CODA" at the Oscars on Sunday, March 27, 2022, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
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Will Smith and Chris Rock have a history that predates the Oscars slapChris Pizzello
Becky G, left, and Luis Fonsi perform "We Don't Talk About Bruno" from "Encanto" at the Oscars on Sunday, March 27, 2022, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
Chris PizzelloBecky G, left, and Luis Fonsi perform "We Don't Talk About Bruno" from "Encanto" at the Oscars on Sunday, March 27, 2022, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
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Will Smith and Chris Rock have a history that predates the Oscars slapChris Pizzello
Hosts Wanda Sykes, left, and Regina Hall appear on stage dressed as a characters from "King Richard" and "The Eyes of Tammy Faye," during a skit at the Oscars on Sunday, March 27, 2022, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
Chris PizzelloHosts Wanda Sykes, left, and Regina Hall appear on stage dressed as a characters from "King Richard" and "The Eyes of Tammy Faye," during a skit at the Oscars on Sunday, March 27, 2022, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
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Will Smith and Chris Rock have a history that predates the Oscars slapChris Pizzello
Amy Schumer appears on stage dressed as Spider-Man during a skit at the Oscars on Sunday, March 27, 2022, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
Chris PizzelloAmy Schumer appears on stage dressed as Spider-Man during a skit at the Oscars on Sunday, March 27, 2022, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
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Will Smith and Chris Rock have a history that predates the Oscars slapChris Pizzello
Sian Heder, right, signs "I really love you" as she accepts the award for best adapted screenplay for "CODA" at the Oscars on Sunday, March 27, 2022, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
Chris PizzelloSian Heder, right, signs "I really love you" as she accepts the award for best adapted screenplay for "CODA" at the Oscars on Sunday, March 27, 2022, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
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Will Smith and Chris Rock have a history that predates the Oscars slapChris Pizzello
Billie Eilish performs "No Time To Die" from "No Time To Die" at the Oscars on Sunday, March 27, 2022, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
Chris PizzelloBillie Eilish performs "No Time To Die" from "No Time To Die" at the Oscars on Sunday, March 27, 2022, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
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Will Smith and Chris Rock have a history that predates the Oscars slapChris Pizzello
Chris Rock presents the award for best documentary feature at the Oscars on Sunday, March 27, 2022, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
Chris PizzelloChris Rock presents the award for best documentary feature at the Oscars on Sunday, March 27, 2022, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
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Will Smith and Chris Rock have a history that predates the Oscars slapChris Pizzello
Will Smith, right, hits presenter Chris Rock on stage while presenting the award for best documentary feature at the Oscars on Sunday, March 27, 2022, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
Chris PizzelloWill Smith, right, hits presenter Chris Rock on stage while presenting the award for best documentary feature at the Oscars on Sunday, March 27, 2022, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
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Will Smith and Chris Rock have a history that predates the Oscars slapChris Pizzello
presenter Chris Rock, left, reacts after being hit on stage by Will Smith while presenting the award for best documentary feature at the Oscars on Sunday, March 27, 2022, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
Chris Pizzellopresenter Chris Rock, left, reacts after being hit on stage by Will Smith while presenting the award for best documentary feature at the Oscars on Sunday, March 27, 2022, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
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Will Smith and Chris Rock have a history that predates the Oscars slapChris Pizzello
Bradley Cooper, left, and Will Smith appear in the audience at the Oscars on Sunday, March 27, 2022, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
Chris PizzelloBradley Cooper, left, and Will Smith appear in the audience at the Oscars on Sunday, March 27, 2022, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
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Will Smith and Chris Rock have a history that predates the Oscars slapChris Pizzello
Al Pacino, from left, Francis Ford Coppola and Robert De Niro appear on stage during a "Godfather" reunion at the Oscars on Sunday, March 27, 2022, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
Chris PizzelloAl Pacino, from left, Francis Ford Coppola and Robert De Niro appear on stage during a "Godfather" reunion at the Oscars on Sunday, March 27, 2022, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
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Will Smith and Chris Rock have a history that predates the Oscars slapChris Pizzello
Jamie Lee Curtis holds a puppy in honor of Betty White during an In Memoriam tribute at the Oscars on Sunday, March 27, 2022, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
Chris PizzelloJamie Lee Curtis holds a puppy in honor of Betty White during an In Memoriam tribute at the Oscars on Sunday, March 27, 2022, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
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Will Smith and Chris Rock have a history that predates the Oscars slapChris Pizzello
Jamie Lee Curtis holds a puppy on stage in honor of Betty White during an In Memoriam tribute at the Oscars on Sunday, March 27, 2022, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
Chris PizzelloJamie Lee Curtis holds a puppy on stage in honor of Betty White during an In Memoriam tribute at the Oscars on Sunday, March 27, 2022, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
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Will Smith and Chris Rock have a history that predates the Oscars slapChris Pizzello
Jada Pinkett Smith, left, and Will Smith appear in the audience at the Oscars on Sunday, March 27, 2022, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
Chris PizzelloJada Pinkett Smith, left, and Will Smith appear in the audience at the Oscars on Sunday, March 27, 2022, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
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Will Smith and Chris Rock have a history that predates the Oscars slapChris Pizzello
Billie Eilish, right, and Finneas O'Connell accept the award for best original song for "No Time To Die" from "No Time To Die" at the Oscars on Sunday, March 27, 2022, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
Chris PizzelloBillie Eilish, right, and Finneas O'Connell accept the award for best original song for "No Time To Die" from "No Time To Die" at the Oscars on Sunday, March 27, 2022, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
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Will Smith and Chris Rock have a history that predates the Oscars slapChris Pizzello
Jane Campion accepts the award for best director for "The Power of the Dog" at the Oscars on Sunday, March 27, 2022, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
Chris PizzelloJane Campion accepts the award for best director for "The Power of the Dog" at the Oscars on Sunday, March 27, 2022, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
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Will Smith and Chris Rock have a history that predates the Oscars slapChris Pizzello
Will Smith accepts the award for best performance by an actor in a leading role for "King Richard" at the Oscars on Sunday, March 27, 2022, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
Chris PizzelloWill Smith accepts the award for best performance by an actor in a leading role for "King Richard" at the Oscars on Sunday, March 27, 2022, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
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Will Smith and Chris Rock have a history that predates the Oscars slapChris Pizzello
Will Smith cries as he accepts the award for best performance by an actor in a leading role for "King Richard" at the Oscars on Sunday, March 27, 2022, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
Chris PizzelloWill Smith cries as he accepts the award for best performance by an actor in a leading role for "King Richard" at the Oscars on Sunday, March 27, 2022, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
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Will Smith and Chris Rock have a history that predates the Oscars slapChris Pizzello
Uma Thurman, from left, Samuel L. Jackson and John Travolta present the award for best performance by an actor in a leading role at the Oscars on Sunday, March 27, 2022, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
Chris PizzelloUma Thurman, from left, Samuel L. Jackson and John Travolta present the award for best performance by an actor in a leading role at the Oscars on Sunday, March 27, 2022, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
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Will Smith and Chris Rock have a history that predates the Oscars slapChris Pizzello
Mila Kunis introduces a performance by Reba McEntire at the Oscars on Sunday, March 27, 2022, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
Chris PizzelloMila Kunis introduces a performance by Reba McEntire at the Oscars on Sunday, March 27, 2022, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
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Will Smith and Chris Rock have a history that predates the Oscars slapChris Pizzello
Reba McEntire performs "Somehow You Do" from "Four Good Days" at the Oscars on Sunday, March 27, 2022, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
Chris PizzelloReba McEntire performs "Somehow You Do" from "Four Good Days" at the Oscars on Sunday, March 27, 2022, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
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Will Smith and Chris Rock have a history that predates the Oscars slapChris Pizzello
Jessica Chastain accepts the award for best performance by an actress in a leading role for "The Eyes of Tammy Faye" at the Oscars on Sunday, March 27, 2022, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
Chris PizzelloJessica Chastain accepts the award for best performance by an actress in a leading role for "The Eyes of Tammy Faye" at the Oscars on Sunday, March 27, 2022, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
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Will Smith and Chris Rock have a history that predates the Oscars slapChris Pizzello
Lady Gaga, left, and Liza Minnelli present the award for best picture at the Oscars on Sunday, March 27, 2022, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
Chris PizzelloLady Gaga, left, and Liza Minnelli present the award for best picture at the Oscars on Sunday, March 27, 2022, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
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Will Smith and Chris Rock have a history that predates the Oscars slapChris Pizzello
The cast and crew of "CODA" accept the award for best picture at the Oscars on Sunday, March 27, 2022, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
Chris PizzelloThe cast and crew of "CODA" accept the award for best picture at the Oscars on Sunday, March 27, 2022, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
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Will Smith and Chris Rock have a history that predates the Oscars slapChris Pizzello
Emilia Jones, from left, Daniel Durant, Sian Heder, Marlee Matlin and Eugenio Derbez appear on stage to accept the award for best picture for "CODA" at the Oscars on Sunday, March 27, 2022, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
Chris PizzelloEmilia Jones, from left, Daniel Durant, Sian Heder, Marlee Matlin and Eugenio Derbez appear on stage to accept the award for best picture for "CODA" at the Oscars on Sunday, March 27, 2022, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
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Will Smith and Chris Rock have a history that predates the Oscars slapChris Pizzello
Hosts Regina Hall, from left, Amy Schumer and Wanda Sykes appear on stage in pajamas at the end of the Oscars on Sunday, March 27, 2022, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
Chris PizzelloHosts Regina Hall, from left, Amy Schumer and Wanda Sykes appear on stage in pajamas at the end of the Oscars on Sunday, March 27, 2022, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
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