Actor Will Smith made headlines after he slapped comedian Chris Rock onstage over a joke the latter made about his wife Jada Pinkett-Smith’s medical condition during the 94th Academy Awards yesterday (Mar 28).
Read our coverage on the incident here:
‘I was wrong’
Shortly after the clip went viral online, netizens wasted little time in creating various memes of the shocking incident.
However, Smith has since come forward and issued a public apology over his reaction towards Rock’s banter.
In the statement, he said that his behavior was “unacceptable and inexcusable” and that “there is no place for violence in a world full of love and kindness”.
Jokes at my expense are 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 apologize to you, Chris. I was out of line and I was wrong.
He also extended his apology to the Academy, the show’s producers, attendees, and viewers worldwide for his unbecoming behaviour.
Read his statement here:
Mixed reactions online
Smith’s sudden meltdown and subsequent apology has since divided netizens, who fiercely debated who was in the wrong.
Many praised Rock’s professionalism in handling the situation even after getting assaulted onstage.
Some, however, felt that Smith’s reaction was warranted as Rock had made an insensitive joke and commended him for owning up to his mistakes.
What are your views on this matter? Let us know what you think about it!
Cover image via manilatimes and Facebook.