‘My behavior was unacceptable’: Will Smith apologizes to Chris Rock over Oscars slap in new video

Will Smith again apologized to Chris Rock for slapping him onstage at the 2022 Oscars.

In a YouTube video dubbed “It’s been a minute,” the actor openly talked about the March incident and said sorry to Rock. “I reached out to Chris, and the message that came back is he’s not ready to talk, but when he is, he will reach out,” he shared. 

“I will say to you, Chris, I apologize to you. My behavior was unacceptable, and I’m here whenever you’re ready to talk.” 

He proceeded to apologize to Rock’s relatives, including his mom and brother. “That was one of the things about that moment that I didn’t realize. I wasn’t thinking about how many people got hurt in that moment. I want to apologize to Chris’ mother, to Chris’ family, especially his brother Tony Rock,” he said, pointing out that what he did is “probably irreparable.” 

“I know it was confusing, I know it was shocking. But I promise you, I am deeply devoted to putting light and love and joy into the world,” he later added. 

This isn’t the first time that Smith issued a public apology to Rock. In a March post, he acknowledged that he “was out of line” and “was wrong.” The actor also said he is “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.” 

The heated moment at the awards show took place after Rock made a joke about the hair of Smith’s wife Jada, who is struggling with alopecia. 

“Jada, I love you. G.I. Jane 2, can’t wait to see you,” Rock said at the time.

Smith went onstage to slap him and said: “Keep my wife’s name out your f—king mouth!”

Due to the slapping incident, Smith got banned from Oscars ceremonies for 10 years. He also resigned from the Academy as a voting member.