(CNN) — Will Smith posted an apology Monday to Chris Rock, whom he punched during the Oscars after the presenter made a comment about Smith’s wife’s head.
“Violence in all its forms is toxic and destructive. My behavior last night at the Academy Awards was unacceptable and inexcusable. Jokes about me are part of the job, but a joke about Jada’s medical condition was too much for me and I reacted emotionally,” Smith wrote on Instagram.
“I would like to publicly apologize to you, Chris. I overdid it and I was wrong. I am ashamed and my actions are not a representation of the man I want to be. There is no room for violence in a world of love and kindness,” he added.
Will Smith won his first Oscar award on Sunday night and when he received the award he apologized to the Academy and the other guests.
Smith reacted to Rock’s joke, who while presenting the award for best documentary, said: “Jada, I love you, ‘GI Jane 2,’ I can’t wait to see it.” “GI Jane” is a 1997 film starring Demi Moore, in which the main character is a totally shaven military woman.
Winning best actor, Will Smith tearfully accepted the award for his role as Richard Williams, the father of Venus and Serena Williams, in the movie “King Richard.” Smith said that Williams “was a fierce supporter of his family.”
He continued, “I know that to do what we do, you have to be able to take abuse and have people talk about you. In this industry, there are going to be people who disrespect you. And you have to smile and pretend you’re well”.
Smith also spoke about being a “protector” and thanked the tennis legends and his family.
Smith shared that, prior to his win, fellow nominee Denzel Washington shared some wisdom with him: “At your highest, be careful, that’s when the devil is coming for you.”
Smith finished by saying that he hopes the Academy will welcome him back.
