US actor Will Smith has publicly apologized to comedian Chris Rock for assaulting him on Sunday at the Academy Awards, admitting that he crossed the line and that his behavior was “unacceptable and unforgivable.”

“Violence in all its forms is poisonous and destructive. My behavior yesterday [domingo] The night of the Oscars was unmissable and unforgivable. (…) I crossed the line and erred. In a written statement shared on Instagram, the actor said I am ashamed and my actions fall short of the man I want to be.

Addressing Chris Rock directly, Will Smith apologized for the onstage aggression, first-hand, at the Academy Awards, which ended up being featured as Best Actor, for his participation in “King Richard: Beyond about the game.” “.

The incident occurred when comedian Chris Rock, who was on the verge of presenting an Oscar for Best Documentary Feature, began interjecting with a comic number in which he compared Will Smith’s wife, actress Jada Pinkett Smith – who has no hair, is autoimmune. Illness – To Lieutenant O’Neill, “JJ Jane,” from the Ridley Scott movie.

Will Smith rose, walked up to the stage, slapped Chris Rock and returned to his seat.

On stage, Chris Rock tried to minimize the situation, but did not hide the annoyance, saying that it was a moment for “television history.”

Soon, Will Smith returned to the stage to receive the Oscar for Best Actor, and during the speech, the Academy and the nominees tearfully apologized, and tried to justify his behavior, without speaking directly about the aggression against the comedian.

On Monday, the American Film Academy condemned the assault and revealed that it would look into the case and draw conclusions about the consequences.