Will Smith has apologizes for slapping Chris Rock at Sunday night’s Oscars ceremony, saying his behaviour was ‘unacceptable and inexcusable’ and left him ‘embarrassed’.
The 53-year-old wrote in an Instagram post that he was ‘embarrassed’ by his actions, which shocked the ceremony attendees, producers and viewers.
‘Violence in all of its forms is poisonous and destructive,’ he wrote.
‘My behaviour 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 apologise 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.’
Smith then went on to say sorry to the organisers and the producers of the show.
Rock has not responded to Smith’s apology, or commented on the Sunday night incident.
Smith also extended his apology to the family of Venus and Serena Williams.
Shortly after slapping Rock, Smith won the best actor award for his portrayal of their father Richard – but the story of their family was overshadowed by Smith’s attack.
Richard Williams – who the Oscar-winner portrays in King Richard – said after the attack that he condemns violence.
Chavoita LeSane, Williams’ son, The Tide source ‘We don’t know all the details of what happened. But we don’t condone anyone hitting anyone else unless it’s in self-defence.’
Smith said: ‘I would also like to apologise to the Academy, the producers of the show, all the attendees and everyone watching around the world,’ Smith continued.
‘I would like to apologise to the Williams Family and my King Richard Family.
‘I deeply regret that my behaviour has stained what has been an otherwise gorgeous journey for all of us.’
The Philadelphia-born actor concluded:  ‘I am a work in progress. Sincerely, Will.’
His apology came as the group that hands out the Oscars on Monday condemned Smith’s actions and said it had started a formal review of the incident that cast a shadow over the film honours.
Smith strode on stage during the live telecast and struck Rock in the face after the comedian made a joke about the appearance of Smith’s wife.
Smith’s meltdown continued when he returned to his seat as he repeatedly screamed: ‘Keep my wife’s name out of your f***ing mouth’.
The crowd then fell into stunned silence as it became clear the attack was genuine, and not staged.
Rock replied to him saying: ‘I’m going to, okay?’
He then laughed uncomfortably, saying: ‘That was the greatest night in the history of television’.
condemn Smith, tweeting shortly after the attack that Smith had ‘disgraced our entire community’.