It remains to be seen if WILL SMITH will be punished for slapping CHRIS ROCK at the Oscars.
But yesterday, he took the first necessary step if he's going to redeem himself, by apologizing directly to Chris.
Here's his full statement:
"Violence in all of its forms is poisonous and destructive. My behavior 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 apologize 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.
"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 behavior has stained what has been an otherwise gorgeous journey for all of us. I am a work in progress."
Now, is Will sincere . . . or is he just trying to head off any potential consequences for his actions? Because the Academy Board of Governors had already condemned what he did and said they were exploring possible ACTION against him.
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For the record, a "source" says Will and Chris never met up behind the scenes during the show . . . so Will's statement is his first effort to reach out to him.
Sources also claim that Chris did NOT know about Jada's alopecia when he joked about her hair.
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In a TikTok just days before the Oscars, Jada said she doesn't "give two craps" what people think of her hair. As Maury would say, "The lie detector determined that was a LIE!"
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Will didn't seem to be too upset with himself at the Vanity Fair afterparty.
He even danced to "Gettin' Jiggy Wit It". He also had a heart-to-heart with TREVOR NOAH.
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Chris Rock's ticket sales have apparently surged since THE SLAP.
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Now you can slap Chris yourself.
There's a little extra surprise if you manage to surpass 30 kilometers per hour.
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So how does the REAL "King Richard" feel about what Will Smith did?
A spokesman for RICHARD WILLIAMS says he was shocked . . . and added, quote, "We don't condone anyone hitting anyone else unless it's in self-defense."
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Will might be in trouble with the union, too. SAG-AFTRA called his behavior unacceptable and said disciplinary action is possible.
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Comedians seem to be overwhelmingly on Team Rock.
And then, there's TIFFANY HADDISH, who thought what Will did was, quote, "the most beautiful thing I've ever seen."
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Will Smith's mother speaks about Oscars confrontation
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