The King Richard actor issued this emotional apology to Rock, four months after he slapped the comedian in the face during the Oscars ceremony back in March.
Smith had reacted angrily to a joke Rock made about his wife's Jada Pinkette Smith's baldness. Jada was diagnosed with alopecia back in 2018. During his speech, Chris Rock had said to Jada, "GI Jane 2, can't wait", prompting Smith to walk onto the stage and slap the comedian in the face.
Later on that night, Smith accepted and award for Best Actor for his starring role in King Richard.
Four months on from this altercation, Smith has apologised to Rock, in a video titled, 'It's Been A Minute'. The video also saw Smith apologise to Chris Rock's family, and the Academy.
Smith began by saying, “Over the last few months, I’ve been doing a lot of thinking and personal work… You asked a lot of fair questions that I wanted to take some time to answer".
“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", he added.
“I will say to you, Chris. I apologise to you. My behaviour was unacceptable and I’m here whenever you’re ready to talk", Smith continued.
“I want to apologise to Chris’ mother. I saw an interview that Chris’ mother did, and that was one of the things about that moment… I just didn’t realise, I wasn’t thinking about how many people got hurt in that moment".
“So I want to apologise to Chris’ mother. I want to apologise to Chris’ family, specifically [his brother] Tony Rock. We had a great relationship. Tony Rock was my man. And this is probably irreparable".
He also dismissed the idea that he was pushed to "do something" by his wife Jada.
“It hurts me emotionally and psychologically to know I didn’t live up to people’s image and impression of me,” he added. “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 am human and I made a mistake.
“I’m trying not to think of myself as a piece of s***. 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. If you hang on, I promise we’ll be able to be friends again".
