Will Smith apologizes over Oscars slap

Actor Will Smith apologized on social media Monday for slapping comedian Chris Rock during the Academy Awards ceremony the night prior.

In an Instagram post, Smith said his behavior at "last night's Academy Awards was unacceptable and inexcusable."

"Violence in all of its forms is poisonous and destructive," Smith said in his statement. 

"I would like to publicly apologize to you, Chris. I was out of line and I was wrong," the actor continued. "I am embarrassed and my actions were not indicative of the man I want to be. There is no place for violence in a world of love and kindness.''

What happened during the incident?

Smith got on to the stage and slapped Rock across the face after the comedian made a joke about the appearance of Smith's wife.

Rock — who was appearing as a presenter— joked about Jada Pinkett Smith, as he referenced the 1997 film "G.I. Jane" in which actress Demi Moore had shaved her head. 

Smith's wife, whose head is shaved, has in the past spoken about her alopecia diagnosis — a disease that leads to hair loss.

“Jada, I love you. 'G.I. Jane 2,' can't wait to see it,'' Rock said, before being struck by Will Smith. 

Less than an hour after the incident, Smith won the Oscar for best actor for his role as Richard Williams, father of tennis stars Venus and Serena, in "King Richard."

Academy condemns Smith, launches formal review 

Earlier in the day, the 9,900-member Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences denounced Smith's actions and said it was reviewing the matter.

"We have officially started a formal review around the incident and will explore further action and consequences in accordance with our Bylaws, Standards of Conduct and California law," the Academy said .

As per the group's conduct policy, violations may result in suspension or expulsion from the
organization, revocation of Oscars, or loss of eligibility for future awards.

dvv/wd (Reuters, AP)