Will Smith Apologizes to Chris Rock After Slapping Him at Oscars

'I was out of line and I was wrong'

Will Smith slaps Chris Rock onstage during the 94th Oscars at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California on March 27, 2022. ROBYN BECK/AFP via Getty Images

Actor Will Smith has issued an apology to comedian Chris Rock after slapping him at the 94th Academy Awards ceremony, also referred to as the Oscars.

In a statement posted on Instagram on March 28, Smith wrote: “Violence in all of its forms is poisonous and destructive. My behavior at last night’s Academy Awards was unacceptable and inexcusable.