How many sorries does a slap require? All Will Smith apologies since Oscars

Will Smith has apologized to Chris Rock again, this time in a video message, for slapping the comedian at the 2022 Oscars over a joke aimed at Smith’s wife, Jada Pinkett. Rock’s jibe about her being in GI Jane 2 because of her hair, didn’t go over too well as the Gotham actor has alopecia, a condition leading to severe hair loss.

After Smith hit Rock, he returned to his seat shouting at the Fargo actor to keep Jada’s name out of his mouth. The ripples of the slap went beyond the awards night and resulted in many comedians jumping to Rock’s defence, including Amy Schumer – who’d initially made light of the incident. The Academy barred Smith from attending events for the next ten years, and the 53-year-old, who won Best Actor for King Richard this year, has apologized many times since then. 

The night of 

When Smith went up to accept his Best Actor award, the actor said “Richard Williams was a fierce defender of his family,” adding, “In this time in my life, in this moment, I am overwhelmed by what God is calling on me to do and be in this world. Making this film, I got to protect Aunjanue Ellis, who is one of the strongest, most delicate people I’ve ever met. I got to protect Saniyya [Sidney] and Demi [Singleton], the two actresses that played Venus and Serena. I’m being called on in my life to love people and to protect people and to be a river to my people.”

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He continued, “I want to be a vessel for love”. Smith concluded his speech, saying, “I want to apologize to the Academy; I want to apologize to all my fellow nominees.” With a laugh, he said, “I hope the Academy invites me back”, before walking offstage. 

The morning after 

Smith also put up an Instagram post the next day, apologizing to Rock and the Academy for his behaviour the previous night. 

“Violence in all of its forms is poisonous and destructive. My behaviour at last night’s Academy Awards was unacceptable and inexcusable”, he said, adding, “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. 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 behaviour has stained what has been an otherwise gorgeous journey for all of us.”

The Bad Boys actor added that he was a “work in progress”. 

Resignation over inexcusable behaviour 

Smith also resigned from the Academy, before he was barred. At the time, he said in a statement “I will fully accept any and all consequences for my conduct. My actions at the 94th Academy Awards presentation were shocking, painful, and inexcusable”. 

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In the recent video, the Men in Black actor extended an olive branch to the comedian, saying “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. My behaviour was unacceptable, and I’m here whenever you’re ready to talk.”