Will Smith apologized to Chris Rock for slapping him during the Oscars in a newly released video, saying his behavior was ‘unacceptable’ he also said that he reached out to the comedian to discuss the incident but was told Rock wasn’t ready.
“Chris, I apologize to you,” Smith said. “My behavior was unacceptable. And I’m here whenever you’re ready to talk.”
“I was fogged out by that point. It’s all fuzzy,” Smith said. “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.”
“But I can say to all of you: There is no part of me that thinks that was the right way to behave in that moment. There’s no part of me that thinks that’s the optimal way to handle a feeling of disrespect or insults.”
“I made a choice on my own,” Smith said. “Jada had nothing to do with it.”
As to what he would say to fans who viewed him as a role model and were let down, Smith said, “Disappointing people is my central trauma.”
“So 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.”
“I’m human. And I made a mistake,” Smith continued.
“I’m trying not to think of myself as a piece of shit. So I would say to those people: I know it was confusing. I know it was shocking. But I promise you, I am deeply devoted and committed to putting light and love and joy into the world.”
“And you know, if you hang on, I promise we’ll be able to be friends again,” Smith said.
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