Will then clarified that he made the decision to get up and strike Chris on his own, moments after the comedian made a joke about wife Jada pinkett Smith—who sat beside him in the audience.
Will stated, “I made the choice for myself, based on my personal experiences and my relationship with Chris.” Jada was nothing to it.”
He went on to apologize to his wife and family—which includes kids Trey Smith, 29, Jaden Smith, 24, and Willow Smith, 21—for “the heat that I brought on all of us.”
Will, who resigned from the Academy and has been banned from the Oscars for 10 years following the incident, then addressed his fellow nominees. He stated, “You’re right. This is a group.” It’s almost like I won because of you voting for me, and it truly breaks my heart that I have stolen your moment and tarnished it.”
Will stated, “I still can see Questlove’s eyes,” referring to the documentary that won him the Academy Award. Summer of Soul directly after the slap. “You know it happened on Questlove’s award. It’s like I’m sorry really isn’t sufficient.”