"Love will make you do crazy things."
In one of the most dramatic nights of television in years, Will Smith apologised for
attacking Chris Rock while presenting an award at the 94th Academy Awards on Sunday (27 March).
The slap heard around the world came following a joke from Chris Rock about Jada Pinkett Smith's appearance.
Smith has a shaved head following a diagnosis of alopecia, which she made public in 2018.
"Jada, I love you. GI Jane 2, can't wait to see it," Chris Rock jibed.
The original GI Jane starred Demi Moore playing the role of a US Navy SEAL, where she sported a shaved head.
Moments after the joke, Will rose from his seat and made his way towards Rock, slapping him before returning to his seat.
"Will Smith just smacked the s**t out of me," Rock replied.
"Keep my wife's name out of your f***ing mouth," Smith shouted at the stage.
https://twitter.com/Variety/status/1508284831062388742?s=20&t=2m2i8rAjv96k38Gz2x7psA
During his speech, Smith was visibly emotional and cried for the duration of his time on stage.
"Richard Williams was a fierce defender of his family," Smith began, which drew some nervous laughter from the crowd.
"At this time in my life, in this moment, I am overwhelmed by what God is calling on me to do and be in this world."
Smith described "protecting" his co-stars in the film, including Aunjanue Ellis, Saniyya Sidney, and Demi Singleton.
"I'm being called on in my life to love people, and to protect people, and to be a river to my people," Smith added.
Smith shared some advice that fellow nominee Denzel Washington had shared with him.
"Denzel said to me a few minutes ago, he said 'at your highest moment, be careful, that's when the Devil comes for you'.
Smith later apologised for his outburst earlier in the night.
"To the Academy, I want to apologise to all my fellow nominees.
"Art imitates life. I look like the crazy father, just like they said about Richard Williams.
"Love will make you do crazy things.
"Thank you for this moment, and thank you on behalf of Richard and Oracene and the Williams family.
"I hope the Academy invites me back," he concluded.
Following the event, the Academy released a statement stating that they do "not condone violence of any form".
https://twitter.com/TheAcademy/status/1508310547564953606?s=20&t=n8cDvmAkfapTLGSRk3aaEw
"Tonight we are delighted to celebrate our 94th Academy Awards winners, who deserve this moment of recognition from their peers and movie lovers around the world."
