Will Smith has apologised for slapping Chris Rock at the Oscars. Watch here:
It's been five months since Smith stormed the stage at the glitzy awards ceremony and attacked Rock after he made a joke about his wife, Jada Pinkett Smith.
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Since then, fans haven't heard much from either side. But in a new video posted to YouTube today (29 July), the actor took the opportunity to address the incident.
Smith revealed that he had tried to reach out to the comedian and apologise for his actions, but that Rock's team had told him he 'wasn't ready to talk to him'.
In the video, Smith says: "It’s all fuzzy. I’ve reached out to Chris and the message that came back is he’s not ready to talk and when he is, he will reach out.
"There’s no part of me that thinks that’s the optimal way to handle a feeling of disrespect or insults."
Responding to a question about whether or not his wife had told him to do something that night, Smith said: "No. It’s like, you know, I made a choice on my own, from my own experiences, from my history with Chris.
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"Jada had nothing to do with it. I’m sorry, babe. I wanna say sorry to my kids and my family for the heat that I brought on all of us."
Smith took to the stage that night after Rock aimed one of his barbed quips at Pinkett Smith.
Before presenting an award, Rock said: "Jada, I love you – G.I. Jane 2, can't wait to see it!" – as a nod to Demi Moore's 1997 film G.I. Jane, which saw lead actor Demi Moore shave her head for the role.
Pinkett Smith, who has alopecia, didn't look happy in the slightest – at one point even rolling her eyes as Rock tried to defend himself, telling her: "That was a nice one!"
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Jog your memory with the clip below:
Moments later, Smith could be seen striding up on stage and slapping a stunned Rock before storming off stage, shouting from his seat: "Keep my wife's name out your f***ing mouth."
Following the slap, Smith resigned from the Academy.
In a statement at the time, he said: "My actions at the 94th Academy Awards presentation were shocking, painful, and inexcusable.
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"The list of those I have hurt is long and includes Chris, his family, many of my dear friends and loved ones, all those in attendance, and global audiences at home.
"I betrayed the trust of the Academy. I deprived other nominees and winners of their opportunity to celebrate and be celebrated for their extraordinary work. I am heartbroken.
"I want to put the focus back on those who deserve attention for their achievements and allow the Academy to get back to the incredible work it does to support creativity and artistry in film.
"So, I am resigning from membership in the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, and will accept any further consequences the Board deems appropriate.
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"Change takes time and I am committed to doing the work to ensure that I never again allow violence to overtake reason."
The Academy later announced that it had banned Smith from returning to the Oscars or attending any other Academy events for the next 10 years.
Topics: Will Smith, Chris Rock, US News, TV and Film, Oscars
Dominic Smithers