Will Smith has officially apologized to Chris Rock.
Following backlash from his slap at the Oscars on Sunday, Dec King Richard star addressed the incident, in which he ran onto the stage and punched the comedian after he made a joke about his wife Jada Pinkett Smith, who was struggling with hair loss due to alopecia.
“Violence in all its forms is poisonous and destructive. My behavior at the Oscars last night was unacceptable and inexcusable,” Smith wrote in a statement posted to Instagram on Monday. “Jokes at my expense are part of the job, but a joke about Jada’s health was too much for me and I reacted emotionally.”
Smith, who apologized to the Academy and his fellow nominees during his acceptance speech for best actor, this time went straight to Rock.
“I want to publicly apologize to you, Chris. I was out of line and I was wrong,” he said. “I’m embarrassed and my actions were no indication of the man I want to be. In a world of love and kindness there is no place for violence.”
He also apologized to Oscar viewers and the Williams family. “I would also like to apologize to the Academy, the producers of the show, all contestants and all viewers around the world. I would like to apologize to the Williams family and my King Richard family. I deeply regret that my behavior marred what was otherwise a wonderful journey for all of us.”
He finished his note, adding, “I’m in the works.”
Earlier today, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences condemned Smith’s actions and said it is reviewing the situation and will consider “further action and consequences.”
Despite claims to the contrary, Smith and Rock reportedly did not speak after Sunday’s show. Will attended Vanity Fair’s Oscar party, where he was seen celebrating his Oscar win with his wife and children.
See his apology below.