Will Smith's mother has finally broken her silence regarding her son's actions at the Oscars, saying that she has never seen him go off like he did when the Hollywood star hit Chris Rock with the slap heard around the world.
Carolyn Smith told ABC affiliate WPVI of Philadelphia that her son is a very even, people person, and that was the first time she has ever seen him go off like that. The matriarch said, "First time in his lifetime... I've never seen him do that."
Smith went ballistic after Rock said that he was excited to watch the former's wife, Jada Pinkett Smith, in the sequel of "G.I. Jane." He went on to slap Rock on stage, shocking those watching inside the venue and on their television screens.
Smith slaps Rock after the alopecia joke
Before Smith went up on stage, Pinkett Smith rolled her eyes at the joke. She was diagnosed with alopecia back in 2018, a condition that causes hair loss. After slapping Rock, Smith returned to his seat and continued jawing away with the stand-up comedian, twice telling him to "keep my wife's name out your f-----g mouth."
Smith later won the Academy Award for best actor for his outstanding depiction of Richard Williams, father of tennis legends Venus and Serena, in the film "King Richard." Smith apologized to his fellow Best Actor nominees and the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for his behavior during his speech. He compared himself to the man he portrayed, saying, "Richard Williams was a fierce defender of his family."
Despite the actor's controversial actions at the Oscars, Smith was overwhelmingly proud of her son, saying she knows how he works and how hard he works. Smith added that she had been waiting and waiting and waiting, and when she heard the name, she just said 'Yes!'
NBC News reported that one day after his violent attack on Rock, Smith finally offered an apology to the comic. He posted a message on the social media platform Instagram on Monday, March 28, writing, "Violence in all of its forms is poisonous and destructive. My behavior at last night's Academy Awards was unacceptable and inexcusable."
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Academy and SAG-AFTRA condemn Smith's violent behavior
Smith added that jokes at his expense are part of the job, but a joke about his wife's medical condition was too much for him to bear, and he reacted emotionally. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences had earlier condemned Smith for his violent conduct, saying it was reviewing the matter and exploring further action and consequences.
SAG-AFTRA, the union that represents performers and presenters at the Academy Awards, also condemned the star's actions at the Oscars, saying that the incident involving Will Smith and Chris Rock was unacceptable. According to a report by CNN, the union said that they are working with the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and ABC to ensure Smith's behavior is appropriately addressed.
