‘I’m deeply remorseful’ — Will Smith apologises again for slapping Chris Rock

Will Smith, the Hollywood star, has once again apologised for slapping Chris Rock, the comedian, at the 2022 Oscars.

The actor took to his Instagram page on Friday to tender his second apology since the incident happened on live TV in March.

Smith had slapped Rock in the face on stage for making a joke about Jada Pinkett, his wife, while presenting an award.

The comic had taken aim at Pinkett’s shaved head — which is due to the hair-loss condition alopecia.

Reacting to the incident, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) handed Smith a 10-year ban from the Oscars.

The incident also generated backlash from members of Rock’s family who publicly berated Smith.

Although the ‘Fresh Prince of Bel Air’ star had once apologised for his behaviour, he spoke extensively about his remorse.

The apology was in a five-minute clip wherein he described his action as “unacceptable,” adding that he’s “deeply remorseful.”

Smith said he had “reached out to Chris and the message that came back is that he’s not ready to talk.”

The actor extended his apology to Rock’s family members, saying he did not realise “how many people got hurt in that moment.”

“There is no part of me that thinks that was the right way to behave at that moment. I am deeply remorseful and I’m trying to be remorseful without being ashamed of myself,” he said.

“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 so I will say to you Chris, I apologise to you. My behaviour was unacceptable and I’m here whenever you’re ready to talk.

“I want to apologise to Chris’ mother. I saw an interview that Chris’ mother. And that was one of the things about that moment, I just didn’t realise, I wasn’t thinking, but how many people got hurt at that moment. I want to apologise to Chris’ family. Specifically Tony Rock. We had a great relationship. This is probably irreparable.”