After An Oscars Slap, Will Smith Apologizes To Chris Rock

Will Smith has apologized for slapping Chris Rock at the Oscars, calling his actions "inappropriate and reprehensible."

In a statement, he stated, "I would like to openly apologize to you, Chris." "I stepped out of line and made a mistake."

It comes after the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences chastised Smith for the event and ordered a thorough investigation.

After the comedian made a joke about the actor's wife, Jada Pinkett Smith, the celebrity slapped Rock in the face on stage.

Pinkett Smith's shaved head, which is a result of the hair-loss condition alopecia, was the target of Rock's ire.

Shortly after, Smith won his first Academy Award for his performance in King Richard as the father of tennis legends Venus and Serena Williams.

"Violence in all forms is corrosive and destructive," Smith stated in an Instagram statement.

"My behavior at the Academy Awards last night was both terrible and inexcusable. Jokes about my medical condition are part of the work, but one about Jada's illness was too much for me to handle, and I reacted emotionally."

Smith apologized to Rock immediately, admitting that he was "out of line." He also expressed regret to the Academy as well as the Williams family.

"I profoundly regret that my actions have marred what has otherwise been a beautiful journey for all of us," he said.

Prior to Smith's apology, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences declared in a statement that it "condemns" Smith's behavior.

"In compliance with our Bylaws, Standards of Conduct, and California law, we have formally begun a formal assessment of the incident and will consider further action and repercussions," it stated.

Will Smith and his publicists will be hoping that his apology will be enough to save his career and his connection with the Academy, as well as quell the media firestorm that erupted following the altercation on Sunday night.

His statement has been meticulously crafted. Smith uses careful wording, describing why he reacted the way he did without attempting to justify his actions.

But just because he apologized doesn't mean the story is done.