Will Smith Releases Formal Statement After Slapping Chris Rock At The Oscars

Will Smith has released a formal public statement following his jaw-dropping slap on Chris Rock at the Oscars.

The Academy Award-winner posted a message on his Instagram account where he acknowledged his actions were not in keeping with his vision of 'love and kindness'.

"Violence in all of its forms is poisonous and destructive," he said. "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 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."

Last night at the Oscars, Chris Rock called out Jada Pinkett Smith before presenting the award for Best Documentary.

Jada was sitting in the front row with husband Will when the comedian made a quip about her shaven head.

"Jada, I love you – G.I. Jane 2, can't wait to see it!" Rock told her, as a nod to Demi Moore's 1997 film G.I. Jane, which saw lead actor Demi Moore shave her head for the role.

Initially Will Smith was laughing along, but Jada wasn't and at one point she rolled her eyes as Rock tried to defend himself, saying: "That was a nice one!"

Moments later, Smith could be seen striding up on stage and slapping a stunned Rock before heading back to his seat.

"Will Smith just smacked the s**t out of me," Rock told the audience.

Smith then shouted from his seat: "Keep my wife's name out your f***ing mouth."

Jada Pinkett Smith has previously spoken about her 'struggle' with alopecia, saying that while she wants to 'be friends' with her hair loss, it hasn't been an easy ride.