Actor Will Smith has offered confused audiences an explanation for why he snapped at Chris Rock during today’s 2022 Academy Awards.
In case you missed it, Will took to the stage where Chris Rock was presenting an award during the ceremony and smacked him in the face after Chris made a joke about his wife, Jada Pinkett-Smith.
Will joined Chris on stage, and was seen very clearly hitting the fellow actor, much to the shock of the fellow stars in the audience.
After smacking Chris, Will could be heard yelling “keep my wife’s name out of your f— mouth” twice, as Chris stood in shock.
Shortly after the altercation, Will was awarded Best Actor for his role in King Richard, a film about the father of famous tennis playing sisters, Venus and Serena Williams.
“Richard Williams was a fierce defender of his family,” he began tearfully, likely referencing the events that occured just moments before.
“I know, to do what we do, you’ve got to be able to take abuse, you’ve got to be able to have people talk crazy about you. In this business, you’ve got to be able to have people disrespecting you, and you’ve got to smile and pretend like that’s okay,” he continued.
He went on to explain that fellow actor and friend Denzel Washington had told him moments ago that “at your highest moment, be careful, that’s when the devil comes for you”.
“I want to be a vessel for love,” he said, going on to thank Venus and Serena and their family for trusting him with their story.
“I want to apologise to the Academy, to all my fellow nominees … this is a beautiful moment,” he continued.
“Art imitates life: I look like the crazy father, just like they said about Richard Williams. But love will make you do crazy things.”
“I hope the Academy invites me back,” he said with a laugh.
Will seemed to be provoked by a joke made by Chris about Jada starring in a sequel for GI Jane, a film where the main character has a shaved head.
Jada, who is suffering from alopecia, has been very open with fans about her struggle with the disorder.
Chris Rock is yet to comment on the altercation as the awards ceremony continues.
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