Will Smith took to Instagram to publicly apologize to Chris Rock of his misconduct during the 2022 Academy Awards.

“Violence in all of its forms is poisonous and destructive. My behavior at last night's Academy Awards was unacceptable and inexcusable," Smith expressed on Instagram.

"Jokes at my expense are 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 are not indicative of the man I want to be. There is no place for violence in a world of love and kindness," the statement went on.

Will Smith walked up to the stage and slapped Chris Rock after the comedian joked about Jada Pinkett-Smith’s hair.

Rock was onstage to present Best Documentary and true to being a stand-up comic, Rock began sharing unscripted jokes to the crowd.

He made one for both Denzel Washington and Javier Bardem, and then turned to Jada Pinkett-Smith in which he said, “Jada, I love you. ‘G.I. Jane 2, can’t wait to see it.”

Will Smith was seen pretending to laugh at the joke while Jada Pinkett-Smith’s expression was visibly annoyed. Smith walked up to the stage and slapped the comedian.

“Keep my wife’s name our of your f-cking mouth,” Smith shouted at Rock twice. 

After winning Best actor, Smith compared himself to Richard Williams, who was often misinterpreted as an overly protective father. “Richard Williams was a fierce defender of his family. 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.”

“I’m being called on in my life to love people and to protect people. And to be a river to my people. And I know to do what we do, you’ve got to be able to take abuse, and you’ve got be able to have people talk crazy about you. In this business, you’ve got to be able to have people disrespecting you and you’ve got to smile and pretend like that’s okay,” he continued.

He then apologized to everyone present that evening for his misconduct. “I want to apologize to the Academy. I want to apologize to all my fellow nominees.”

Smith went on expressing his thanks to his mother and wife, and concluded his speech with the hopes that the Oscars would still invite him next time.

Photo By: Philstar.com