Will Smith issues first statement after slapping Chris Rock at Oscars; Read here

Over a day after slapping comedian Chris Rock on stage at the 94th Oscars moments before winning the Academy Award for Best Actor, American actor Will Smith has issued a public apology to the presenter.

In a long note that he posted on his Instagram page, Will Smith claimed that he was embarrassed by his actions. “Violence in all of its forms is poisonous and destructive. 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 wrote. Will Smith walked up to the stage and smacked Chris Rock on live television at the ceremony after the latter made a joke about Smith’s wife Jada Pinkett Smith’s hair condition.

The note further read, “I would like to publicly apologise 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 behavior has stained what has been an otherwise gorgeous journey for all of us. I am a work in progress. Sincerely, Will.”