O.J. Simpson has defended Will Smith for his actions at the 94th Academy Awards. The acclaimed actor walked on to the stage and slapped Chris Rock after the comedian made a joke in reference to wife Jada-Pinkett’s battle with alopecia.
He sauntered back to his seat and yelled "Keep my wife's name out of your f****** mouth!”, not once but twice. The audience were left in complete shock, as was Rock, who was visibly shaken by what took place as he tried to compose himself.
Many have had their say on the incident, including Simpson who took to Twitter in support of Smith. The 74-year-old posted a clip sharing his opinion on the incident which has been the talk of the town.
“It was unfortunate, I think Will was wrong. Look, I understood the feeling,” the former NFL star said. “In my life, I've been through a lot of crap when I was raising two young kids and every comedian in the country had an O.J. routine, and don't think I wouldn't want to [b**ch] slap a couple of them, but you got to accept that it's human.
“He was wrong but I understand the sentiment,” OJ continued in the clip. “‘But you’ve got to accept that that’s human, I didn’t even think that was all that egregious… it was a semi-unfunny joke.” Smith went on to win an Oscar for best actor for his role in King Richard, a biopic on the life of Richard Williams and how he coached Serena and Venus Williams to tennis superstardom.
He has issued another apology since, this time on Instagram and referenced Chris Rock as well as the prestigious awards ceremony. “Violence in all of its forms is poisonous and destructive,” Smith began.
“My behaviour at last night’s Academy Awards was unacceptable and inexcusable. Jokes at my expense are a part of the job, but a joke about Jada’s medical condition was too much for me to bear and I reacted emotionally.’ 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 added: “I would also like to apologize to the Academy, the producers of the show, all the attendees and everyone watching around the world.
“I would like to apologize to the Williams Family and my King Richard Family. I deeply regret that my behaviour has stained what has been an otherwise gorgeous journey for all of us.”
