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In was an emotional YouTube post that has been shared widely this weekend. Actor, Will Smith pulled out all the stops when it came to offering his innermost thoughts about an altercation with Chris Rock at the Oscars.
It was after the Men in Black actor charged the stage and slapped the comic for making a joke about his wife Jada Pinkett Smith’s short haircut.
He blamed his violent reaction because Rock’s joke referenced the hair loss that Smith’s wife, Pinkett Smith suffers because of her alopecia – a struggle that Pinkett Smith publicly addressed in the past.
This week Smith spoke out about why he took so long to apologise to Rock. “It’s all fuzzy,” Smith says. “I’ve reached out to Chris and the message that came back is he’s not ready to talk, and when he is, he will reach out.”
Smith once again reiterated that he was sorry for his actions, calling his behavior “unacceptable.”
The actor has opted to use social media to directly address his fans. After the slap, Will Smith resigned from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, and maintained a low profile.
But there was one line that stood out when it came to those who have made mistakes and are trying to move forward. An all too common blur between the two things.
“I’m trying to be remorseful without being ashamed of myself” she says. “I’m human, and I made a mistake, and I’m trying not to think of myself as a piece of [expletive]”
That distinction is really important. Feeling contrite without it being degrading. As people who experience the fallout from addiction or those trying to gain the foothold for a second chance, this is key and it’s worth reiterating.
The video is the first public comment Smith has made since the incident and in the video, he reiterated that he has taken the time since then to reflect on his actions.
“I spent the last three months replaying and understanding the nuances and the complexities of what happened in that moment,” Will Smith said. “I can say to all of you, there is no part of me that thinks that was the right way to behave in that moment.”
“I know it was confusing, I know it was shocking,” he said. “But I promise you, I am deeply devoted and committed to putting light and love and joy into the world. And, you know, if you hang on, I promise we’ll be able to be friends again.”
You can watch the full video here.