“It’s been a minute…” reads the text at the start of the video. “Over the last few months, I’ve been doing a lot of thinking and personal work… You asked a lot of fair questions that I wanted to take some time to answer.” The first question Smith answered was why he didn’t apologize to Rock in his acceptance speech after winning the best actor statuette for “King Richard.” Smith said he was “dazzled by that point” and the events are “all a blur”. Smith said he reached out to Rock and the response he got was that the comedian “isn’t ready to talk,” adding that when Rock feels ready, he’ll “reach out” to Smith. “Well, I’ll tell you, Chris, I apologize,” the “Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” alum said. “My behavior was unacceptable and I’m here whenever you’re ready to talk.” At this year’s Academy Awards, held on March 27, Smith took the stage and slapped Rock, who was presenting, after the comedian made a joke about Smith’s wife, Jada Pinkett Smith, starring in a defunct sequel to ‘G.I. Jane.” The 1997 film starred Demi Moore as the first woman to enter Navy SEAL training. Rock apparently made the joke because of Pinkett Smith’s shaved head, as Moore shaved her head for the role. Pinkett Smith has previously been candid about her struggle with alopecia, an autoimmune disorder that attacks hair follicles, sharing posts on social media about her hair loss and decision to shave her head. MORE: Oscars drama sheds light on Jada Pinkett Smith’s alopecia, a condition that causes hair loss After the infamous slap, Smith apologized, resigned from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences — the organization behind the Oscars — and the Academy banned the actor from any Academy event or program, including the Oscars, for 10 years. Smith also apologized to Rock’s mother Rosalie for seeing an interview he did and how hurt she was by the situation. He also apologized to The Rock’s brother Tony, saying their previously “great relationship” was now “probably beyond repair”. “That was one of the things at the time that I just didn’t realize it and, you know, I wasn’t thinking, but how many people were hurt at the time,” Smith said this week of the fight. As for how he feels looking back on the incident, Smith said he has spent the past few months “revisiting and understanding the nuances and complexities of what happened at that moment.” “I’m not going to try to unpack all that now,” he said. “But I can tell you all, there’s no part of me that thinks that’s the right way to behave at that moment. There’s no part of me that thinks that’s the optimal way to handle a feeling disrespect or insult.” SEE ALSO: Will Smith banned from Academy events and programs for 10 years for slapping Chris Rock at Oscars Another question Smith answered was whether Pinkett Smith told him to do anything after she rolled her eyes at Rock’s joke. To this, he said a firm “no.” “I made a choice on my own, from my own experiences, from my history with Chris. Jada had nothing to do with it,” he said, apologizing to his family for his actions and the negative attention they received because of their. “I’m sorry, baby. I want to apologize to my kids and my family for the heat I brought on all of us,” she said. Smith then addressed his nominees and winners, saying “it truly breaks my heart that I stole and tarnished your moment.” He specifically addressed Questlove, who received the award for best documentary for his film, “Summer of Soul,” moments after the slap. “I can still see Questlove’s eyes,” she said. “You know, it happened at the Questlove award and, you know, it’s like ‘I’m sorry’ really isn’t enough.” He then shared what he would say to those who “looked up” at him before the moment or those who expressed that his behavior that night “disappointed them”. “So there are two things: One, my central trauma is letting people down,” he said. “I hate when I let people down, so it hurts.” Smith said it affects him “psychologically and emotionally” to know he “didn’t live up to people’s image and impression” of him. “…I am deeply remorseful and I am trying to repent without being ashamed of myself,” he declared. “I’m human, and I made a mistake. And I try not to think of myself as a piece of s—.” Addressing the disappointed members of his fan base, he added: “I know it’s been confusing, I know it’s been shocking, but I promise you, I’m deeply committed and dedicated to putting light and love and joy into the world. And you know, if you continue , I promise we can be friends again.” Copyright © 2022 ABC News Internet Ventures.
