‘I was out of line’ — Will Smith apologises to Chris Rock over Oscars slap

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

The actor took to his Instagram page in the early hours of Tuesday to admit that he is convinced he went out of line.

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.

This had generated mixed reactions from fans and Hollywood stakeholders, some of whom condemned the assault.

In the post, Smith said violence in all of its forms is “poisonous and destructive”, adding his conduct was “inexcusable”.

“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.

“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 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.”