Will Smith Apologizes To Chris Rock
Will Smith has apologized for slapping Chris Rock at the Oscars, calling his actions "inappropriate and reprehensible."
Margaret Mwanzia 
In a statement, he stated, "I would like to openly apologize to you, Chris. I stepped out of line and made a mistake."
This comes after the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences chastised Smith for the event and ordered a thorough investigation.
After the comedian made a joke about the actor's wife, Jada Pinkett Smith, the celebrity slapped Rock in the face on stage.
Pinkett Smith's shaved head, which is a result of the hair-loss condition alopecia, was the target of Rock's ire.
Shortly after, Smith won his first Academy Award for his performance in King Richard as the father of tennis legends Venus and Serena Williams.
"Violence in all forms is corrosive and destructive," Smith stated in an Instagram statement.
"My behavior at the Academy Awards last night was both terrible and inexcusable. Jokes about my medical condition are part of the work, but one about Jada's illness was too much for me to handle, and I reacted emotionally," the statement read.
Smith apologized to Rock immediately, admitting that he was "out of line." He also expressed regret to the Academy as well as the Williams family.
"I am profoundly sorry that my actions have marred what has otherwise been a beautiful journey for all of us," he wrote.
Prior to Smith's apology, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences declared in a statement that it "condemns" Smith's behavior.
"In compliance with our Bylaws, Standards of Conduct, and California law, we have formally begun a formal assessment of the incident and will consider further action and repercussions," it stated.
Rock's joke was a reference to Demi Moore's performance as the title character in the 1997 film GI Jane, in which she wore a buzz cut.
Smith looked to chuckle and clap his hands before entering the stage and approaching Rock. Pinkett Smith rolled her eyes at the remark, while Smith appeared to laugh and clap his hands before entering the stage and approaching Rock.
In the immediate aftermath of the occurrence, the comic appeared surprised, but informed the crowd, "That was the greatest night in the history of television."
He stated, "Art imitates life." "Like Richard Williams, I have the appearance of a mad father. Love, on the other hand, will drive you insane."
He closed by expressing his hope that he will be invited back to the Academy.
Rock is yet to make a public statement about what happened.
