Jada Pinkett Smith has finally broken her silence since her husband Will slapped comedian Chris Rock in the middle of last weekend's Oscar ceremony. Taking to Instagram today, she shared a meme that read: "This is a season for healing and I'm here for it."
The message came after WIll Smith apologised to Rock. The 53-year-old called his behaviour at the Academy Awards “unacceptable and inexcusable” and said he was embarrassed by his actions.
Smith added that the joke about his wife’s medical condition had caused him to react “emotionally” but “violence in all its forms is poisonous and destructive”. The actor said: “I would like to publicly apologise to you, Chris. I was out of line and I was wrong. 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”. He concluded by saying: “I am a work in progress.”
Rock had made a joke about Jada's hair, telling her he was excited to see her in GI Jane 2, referencing how Demi Moore famously shaved her head for the role. But Jada, who has alopecia, didn't see the funny side and looked to be upset about it as she rolled her eyes.
Rock insisted his joke had been a "nice one", but Smith was clearly angry and headed to the stage before slapping the comic in the face. Some praised him for his actions, saying he was right to defend his wife's honour, while others said he should not have resorted to violence, and some even called for his award to be taken away from him.
