If you were one of the people watching last night’s Academy Awards, then you’ll know exactly what newly minted Best Actor winner Will Smith is apologizing for. If you’re not, you probably still know because it was the most online drama since…well, forever. During last night’s Oscars ceremony, Chris Rock made a poor taste joke about Jada Pinkett–Smith’s appearance. Will Smith stormed the stage, and slapped Rock across the face. Pinkett-Smith has been open about her diagnosis of alopecia, a condition in which baldness occurs.
Not only did Smith slap Rock, he also shouted at the comedian to “keep my wife’s name out of your f**king mouth” during the broadcast. International broadcasts of the moment were not edited, but the American ABC broadcast was.
Moments after the altercation, Smith won the Best Actor Oscar for his role in “King Richard.”
Today, Smith posted an apology to his public Instagram account.
He’s apologizing here not only to Chris Rock, but also to the Academy and the William’s family. His role as Richard Williams was spectacular, however his behavior at the Academy Awards was not. Though “King Richard” won him best actor, many are saying that his conduct during last night’s event may have tainted the film.
He gave a tearful acceptance speech. People are very split over his behavior though. On one hand if anyone else had struck a presenter at any other event, they would have been escorted out of the event. Fans of Smith have said that he was justified in his actions, while others call for him to have to face consequences. The Academy has now launched an investigation into his behavior. This probably won’t be the last we hear about it.
Rock also issued his own apology.
Read more about last night’s Oscars here. The good, the bad, the ugly, and the WTF.
