Will Smith addressed Chris Rock directly on Friday, apologizing to the comedian for slapping him on stage during the 94th Academy Awards earlier this year.
In a video message posted on his social media accounts, Smith answered questions about the incident and revealed that he has tried to apologize to Rock, but that the actor “isn’t ready” to receive it.
“I’m here whenever you’re ready to talk,” Smith said.
Reading a fan question about why he didn’t say “I’m sorry” to Rock during his acceptance speech for best actor, Smith explained that he was “fogged out by that point.”
“It’s all fuzzy,” Smith said. “I’ve reached out to Chris and the message that came back is that he’s not ready to talk and when he is, he will reach out. So I will say to you, Chris, I apologize to you. My behavior was unacceptable and I’m here whenever you’re ready to talk.”
Smith slapped Rock after the comedian made a joke about Jada Pinkett Smith’s bald head during the Academy Awards ceremony. Pinkett Smith has alopecia, a condition causing hair loss.
