Embattled Hollywood star Will Smith has made his first on-camera apology to Chris Rock for slapping the comedian at the Academy Awards.
The actor provoked global headlines after he walked on stage at the Oscars ceremony and struck Rock for making a joke about his wife, Jada Pinkett Smith.
Smith posted a video to social media where he addressed the incident and apologized to Rock, his fans, and the Academy.
“Chris, I apologize to you,” Smith said in the YouTube video.
“My behavior was unacceptable.
“And I’m here whenever you’re ready to talk.
“I was fogged out by that point. It’s all fuzzy.
“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.
“I spent the last three months replaying and understanding the nuances and the complexities of what happened in that moment.
“And I’m not going to try to unpack all of that right now.
“But I can say to all of you: There is no part of me that thinks that was the right way to behave in that moment.
“There’s no part of me that thinks that’s the optimal way to handle a feeling of disrespect or insults.
“I made a choice on my own,” he said.
“Jada had nothing to do with it.
“Disappointing people is my central trauma.
“So it hurts me psychologically and emotionally to know I didn’t live up to people’s image and impression of me.
“And the work I’m trying to do is, I am deeply remorseful and I’m trying to be remorseful without being ashamed of myself.
“I’m human,” Smith continued.
“And I made a mistake.
“I’m trying not to think of myself as a piece of sh*t.
“To all my fellow nominees, you know, this is a community, it’s like I won because you voted for me.
“And it really breaks my heart to have stolen and tarnished your moment.
“I can still see Questlove’s eyes.
“You know, it happened on Questlove’s award. And, you know, it’s like, ‘I’m sorry’ really isn’t sufficient.”
“So I would say to those people:
“I know it was confusing.
“I know it was shocking.
“But I promise you, I am deeply devoted and committed to putting light, and love and joy into the world.
“And you know, if you hang on, I promise we’ll be able to be friends again,” Smith said.
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