It was the slap heard round the world. Will Smith slapped Chris Rock at the Oscars this year. The two haven't spoken since. Smith recently released a video which included apologies to more than just Chris Rock.
In the emotional YouTube video, he discussed what he did and apologized to Rock . He also explained why he didn't apologize in his acceptance speech after he won Best Actor for King Richard that night.
"I was fogged out by that point. It’s all fuzzy. I’ve reached out to Chris and the message that came back is that he’s not ready to talk and when he is, he will reach out. So I will say to you, Chris, I apologize to you. My behavior was unacceptable and I’m here whenever you’re ready to talk.”
The industry punishment is pretty steep for Smith. A 10-year ban from attending the Academy Awards and losses of many roles. He closed his video with a message to his fans saying, "Disappointing people is my central trauma. I hate when I let people down so it hurts, it hurts me psychologically and emotionally to know I didn’t live up to people’s image and impression of me, and the work I’m trying to do is I am deeply remorseful and I’m trying to be remorseful without being ashamed of myself, right?"
He adds, "I am deeply devoted and committed to putting light and love and joy into the world. And if you hang on, I promise we’ll be able to be friends again.”
Watch the video below