Actor Will Smith reportedly had therapy after slapping comedian Chris Rock at this year’s Oscars
(Picture: Getty Images)Will Smith is now “in a better place” in the months following the fall out of the Chris Rock Oscars slap.
The 53-year-old actor, who won an Oscar following the now infamous incident, is said to be “apologetic” after he slapped the comedian, according to his friend Kevin Hart.
Speaking to Entertainment Tonight, Hart shared an update about his pal Smith after the actor appeared to largely step away from the spotlight in order to focus on himself.
“Will is apologetic, you know, he’s in a better space, of course, than what he was after,” Hart explained.
“People are human and as humans sometimes we make mistakes. So it’s not about talking about the past, it’s about acknowledging the present and doing your best to move forward.”
Hart is understood to be on good terms with both Smith and Rock.
The comedian added: “I can get only hope that the two of them find a way to find some solace in that and move past it. I just like good energy. I love to see people be the best.
“I still love him, I still love Chris, and, you know, you can’t judge a person by one thing. Ultimately, life goes on and people grow, so give him the opportunity to do so.”
The Men in Black star left audiencers stunned when he stepped on stage at the Oscars in March before slapping Rock after the comedian made a quip about Smith’s wife.
He later publicly apologised for his behaviour, saying on social media that it was “unacceptable and inexcusable.”
The actor also added that he was a “work in progress.”
Smith has since been banned by the board of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences from attending any Academy events for the next decade.
However, he was able to keep his Best Actor Oscar despite calls for him to return it.
It was later reported Smith was receiving therapy and had even travelled to India where he was understood to be working on his spirituality and meditation.
