During Sunday’s ceremony, Rock made a joke about Pinkett Smith’s shaved head, which led to Smith hitting him on stage and then finding him furiously when he returned to his seat. Picture: Pinkett Smith (left) and Will Smith (center) with children (LR) Willow, Jaden and Trey. Photo: Evan Agostini / Invision / AP After apologizing to the Academy during the Oscar acceptance speech – Smith was named best actor for his role as King Richard after the incident – the star released a full statement also apologizing to Rock on Monday night. Now, Pinkett Smith has also spoken, sharing a simple quote on Instagram: “This is a time for healing and I’m here for it.” The incident has made headlines at the Oscars, with the Academy announcing on Monday that a formal review has begun. For those who do not know what happened … Rock, who presented the award at the ceremony, made the joke about Pinkett Smith on stage, saying, “Honey, I’m looking forward to GI Jane 2.” GI Jane, released in 1997, saw star Demi Moore shave her head for the role. Smith, 53, initially seemed to laugh at the comment, but Pinkett Smith, 50, who was sitting next to him, rolled her eyes and did not look impressed. He revealed in 2018 that he has alopecia and has spoken publicly about the challenges of hair loss. Before he could go any further, Rock confronted Smith, saying “oh, oh” as he saw the impending Oscar winner get up from his seat and approach him. Smith then took the stage and slapped Rock before returning to his seat and shouted twice, “Keep my wife’s name out of your mouth.” “Oscar’s worst moment of all time”: Celebrities react to Will Smith’s slap Picture: Smith slapped Chris Rock on stage at the awards The awkward incident shocked the crowd in a surprising silence, but Rock prepared to award the prize and the show continued. On Monday, the Oscar organizers said they “condemn” Smith’s attack on Rock and that they have opened a formal review of the incident. The academy said it would “investigate further actions and consequences in accordance with our statutes, standards of conduct and California law.” What did Smith say? In his apology, Smith said: “I was out of line and I was wrong.” Writing on Instagram, he said: “Violence in all its forms is poisonous and destructive. My behavior at yesterday’s Oscars was unacceptable and unjustified. Jokes against me are part of the job, but a joke about Jada’s medical condition. it was too much for me and I reacted emotionally. “I would like to apologize publicly to you, Chris. I was out of line and I was wrong. I am ashamed and my actions were not indicative of the man I want to be. There is no room for violence in a world of love and kindness.” Smith also apologized once again to the Academy, Oscar winners and “everyone around the world”, as well as the Williams family and “King Richard’s family”. The biopic shows Smith playing Richard Williams, the father of tennis stars Venus and Serena, who were present at the event. “I’m deeply saddened that my behavior has tarnished what has been an otherwise wonderful journey for all of us,” Smith concluded. “I’m a project in progress.” The moment met with mixed reactions on the internet, with Star Wars legend Mark Hamill describing the slap as “the worst Oscar moment of all time”. However, many people have defended Smith. Oscar presenter Will Packer described the quarrel as “a very painful moment for me”. The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) said no report had been made after the incident and Rock had not yet commented publicly.
