Left image via ROBYN BECK/AFP via Getty Images //
It was impossible to escape, every corner of the internet literally filled with video of the fiery exchange. On the off chance you haven’t however, the viral moment came following Rock’s taking a quip at Smith’s wife Jada Pinkett Smith, making a joke at her shaved head due to her alopecia diagnosis.
You’d think the story would end there, but Smith wasn’t at all having it, walking on stage and punching Rock square in the face, later yelling “Keep my wife’s name out your fucking mouth.” Smith went on to win ‘Best Actor’ later on in the night for his performance in King Richard, but understandably, the moment cast a huge shadow over the awards as a whole.
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Now, Smith has broken his silence, writing online, “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.
“I would like to publicly apologize 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 am a work in progress”.
No word yet on Chris Rock’s response. Check out Smith’s full statement below.
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