Will Smith, who came on stage and slapped Chris Rock, was the greatest incident of a crowded Academy Award ceremony that seemed scripted at first. But as we dug more into the circumstances of what transpired, we discovered that the Smith family is going through a terrible time, with Jada Pinkett Smith suffering from an illness that causes her to lose her hair.
When Rock cracked the joke, it hit Will in an unexpected way. He merely reacted and went about his business. Let’s be honest: he wasn’t happy of himself for assaulting a fellow performer on stage, regardless of the joke he told. That’s why, after accepting his first Academy Award for performing in a leading role, he gave a passionate apology speech.
“I would like to apologize to the Academy,” Smith stated. I’d like to express my regret to all of my fellow nominees. This is a lovely moment, and I’m not sobbing because I won an award. For me, it’s not about getting an award. Richard Williams was a zealous protector of his loved ones. I am overwhelmed by what God is calling me to do and be in this world at this time in my life, in this instant. I had the opportunity to protect Aunjanue Ellis while making this video, and she is one of the strongest and most gentle women I’ve ever encountered. Saniyya and Demi, the two women who played Venus and Serena, were assigned to me to protect. In my life, I’m being called to love people, defend people, and be a river for my people. I understand that in order to perform what we do, you must be able to take abuse. You have to be able to get people to talk about you in a weird way. You have to be able to put up with people disrespecting you in this business. And you have to grin and seem as if everything is fine.”
Will Smith: "I want to apologize to the Academy and I want to apologize to all my fellow nominees — this is a beautiful moment and I'm not crying about winning an award…it's about being able to shine light."#Oscarshttps://t.co/EViXaQY1NZ pic.twitter.com/NhyqzDtkf0
— Good Morning America (@GMA) March 28, 2022
After the slap, Denzel Washington spoke with Will Smith.
Denzel Washington approached Will Smith shortly after the smack to speak with him. Smith was also approached by Meredith O. Sullivan, Smith’s publicist, and Will Packer, Smith’s producer. He was clearly upset over his own behavior, but his explanation was straightforward, and he never blamed Chris Rock for the slap. “Thank you, Dee,” he said at the end. ‘At your highest moment, be careful, because that’s when the devil comes for you,’ Denzel warned a few minutes earlier. Thank you so much for the honor. Thank you for giving me this opportunity. Also, on behalf of Richard and Oracene, as well as the entire Williams family, thank you.
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