Academy Issues Statement After Will Smith Slaps Chris Rock on Oscars Stage: We Don’t ‘Condone Violence’
Will Smith apologized the following day. “Violence in all of its forms is poisonous and destructive,” he said in a statement via Instagram. “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 added an apology specifically to Chris Rock, writing, “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.”
Reacting to Will Smith shockingly slapping Chris Rock at the 2022 Oscars, the Academy has now also issued a statement.
“The Academy does not condone violence of any form, Tonight we are delighted to celebrate our 94th Academy Awards winners, who deserve this moment of recognition from their peers and movie lovers around the world.”
The Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences tweeted after the Sunday, March 27, awards show
