Will Smith Apologizes to Chris Rock, Calls Behavior “Unacceptable and Inexcusable”

A day after Will Smith slapped Chris Rock onstage during the live Academy Awards show, the actor is apologizing to the comedian, saying his actions were inexcusable.

“Violence in all of its forms is poisonous and destructive. My behavior at last night’s Academy Awards was unacceptable and inexcusable,” he wrote in an Instagram post Monday.

The shocking moment at the Oscars ceremony Sunday came after Rock made a joke about Smith’s wife, Jada Pinkett Smith, before presenting the award for best documentary feature. Rock suggested Pinkett Smith was getting ready to film a sequel to G.I. Jane — which was seemingly reference to the actress’ shaved head. (Pinkett Smith has been open about her hair loss due to alopecia.)

Smith took the stage and slapped Rock. Returning to his seat, he yelled at Rock: “Keep my wife’s name out of your fucking mouth!”

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