Will Smith is finally talking about slapping Chris Rock at the Oscars.
After staying mum on the topic for several months, the movie star uploaded an emotional video to YouTube to discuss what he did and to apologize to Rock. Smith, who won Best Actor for King Richard, begins by explaining why he didn't apologize to Rock in his acceptance speech. Smith explains, "I was fogged out by that point. It’s all fuzzy. 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 apologize to you. My behavior was unacceptable and I’m here whenever you’re ready to talk.”
The slap has earned Smith a 10-year ban from attending the Academy Awards, which might be as long as he needs to repair his image and some of his relationships. He closes his video with a message to his fans. He says, "Disappointing people is my central trauma. I hate when I let people down so it hurts, it hurts me psychologically and emotionally to know I didn’t live up to people’s image and impression of me, and the work I’m trying to do is I am deeply remorseful and I’m trying to be remorseful without being ashamed of myself, right?" He adds, "I am deeply devoted and committed to putting light and love and joy into the world. And if you hang on, I promise we’ll be able to be friends again.”
Source: Variety and Premiere