Will Smith has broken his long silence following the debacle that was the Oscars slap seen around the world.
As extensively covered here on That Grape Juice, the Hollywood titan dramatically slapped comedian Chris Rock after the latter made a joke about his wife Jada Pinkett‘s baldness which she’s been open about being caused by the health condition alopecia.
The media circus around Smith and the fallout that followed was immense. Indeed, while the star was permitted to keep his Best Actor Award (which he won on the ill-fated night), he stepped down from the Oscars academy. A move many deemed preemptive given that members were meeting to decide his punishment. Smith was also banned from attending the ceremony for a period of 10 years.
Now, after a period of further reflecting, he is speaking up and out.
Find out what he had to say below…
Taking to social media, an emotional Smith shared a video unpacking his remorse the more.
He began saying:
“I’ve reached out to Chris and the message that came back is he’s not ready to talk, and when he is, he will reach out.”
The 53-year-old continued:
“There is no part of me that thinks that was the right way to behave in that momen. There’s no part of me that thinks that’s the optimal way to handle a feeling of disrespect or insults.”
Addressing the murmurs about Jada somehow encouraging the act, he added:
“It’s like, you know, I made a choice on my own, from my own experiences, from my history with Chris. ada had nothing to do with it. I’m sorry, babe. I want to say sorry to my kids and my family for the heat that I brought on all of us.”
Towards the end of the video, Smith said: “It hurts me psychologically and emotionally to know I didn’t live up to people’s image and impression of me. [I’m ]deeply remorseful” but trying to do so “without being ashamed” of himself. “I’m a human and I made a mistake, and I’m trying not to think of myself as a piece of sh*t.”
“I would say to those people [that I disappointed], 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 if you hang on, I promise we’ll be able to be friends again.”
Watch the full clip:
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Bye. Too little too late clown.🤡
Will can apologize if he choose. It’s Chris who never would think to apologize to anyone
Reading off of a teleprompter.
Sorry, Sloppy Smith, you’re done…
CHRIS ROCK is so irevelent. You have a dignity for you & your wife . Why that guy don’t joke with white people , he know why . UGLY NIGGEA . A lot of luck & felicity for WILL . Outside US nobody know chris rock but you yess . He use you for have visibility.
Irrelevant how? He’s one of the highest paid comedians in the world. His comedy shows always sell out (arenas AND theaters). He’s a successful actor. Had a successful sitcom that’s still in syndication. Net worth $100M. I’ll love to be that level of irrelevant. 😂😂😂 Just say you don’t like him and go!
This feels late, but in a situation like this, I’d rather someone apologize to me after they’ve reflected and learned rather than tell me sorry right after the fact and not really mean it.
He apologizes. I believe he is sorry. Let us forgive him and allow him and his family to
move on!
Only after rock apologize to Jada and anyone with alopecia it’s plenty bald headed black women.. Chris should apologize first
I believe Will. That was a terrible lack of control and judgment on his end. I hope that one day he and Chris will be able to reconcile.
Chris needs to apologize to Jada first.
Apologize for being a comedian making jokes? Will is the one who assaulted this man on national television. He’s lucky Chris didn’t press charges. I would have. Will KNEW he was wrong hence the apology and months of silence.
Chris should apologize, Chris killed his career by joking about alopecia. And he a black man too.
Ok. Hunny
And yes Chris rock should apologize to Jada..
Lmao he threw away his career and reputation for some bald headed bytch that still talks about how much she still loves her ex Tupac. No sympathy for this fool lol.
Jada is the mother of his children. She just tryna make will jealous when she talk about Pac . and August cause Pac wanted Janet Jackson. Will know that.
Jada has one of the most beautiful faces I seen bald. Just glad she took out the blonde hair dye.
With Chris being African American he needs to apologize to any African woman who can’t grow hair.
Yeah, no he shouldn’t.
Will Smith and Jada has been to Africa.
They have short bald hair. Its the African culture.
Chris who never been to Africa needs to apologize.
Chris rock forgot he a African man when he made fun of short bald hair cause he never been there.
Forgiven. But ur true character has been exposed. You are a MF savage, a wolf in sheep clothing who hid behind a faced.
You are a THUG!!!!
Facade*