Philadelphians react to Oscars confrontation: ‘Will Smith is not a bad person’

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — The day after slapping Chris Rock on the Oscars stage and upending the 94th Academy Awards, Will Smith issued an apology to the comic, to the academy and to viewers at dwelling, saying he was “out of line” and that his actions are “not indicative of the person I wish to be.”

The fallout from Smith’s actions throughout Sunday’s ceremony continued Monday as Hollywood and the general public continued to wrestle with a second that shocked the Dolby Theatre crowd and viewers at dwelling. The Academy of Movement Photos Arts and Sciences condemned Smith putting Rock, who had made a joke about his spouse, Jada Pinkett Smith, and mentioned it will launch an inquiry.

Later within the day, Smith gave a stronger apology than he did in his finest actor acceptance speech, which notably hadn’t included an apology to Rock.

“Violence in all of its varieties is toxic and damaging,” mentioned Smith in a press release issued by his publicist and posted on Instagram. “My habits finally night time’s Academy Awards was unacceptable and inexcusable. Jokes at my expense are part of the job, however a joke about Jada’s medical situation was an excessive amount of for me to bear and I reacted emotionally. I want to publicly apologize to you, Chris. I used to be out of line and I used to be improper. I’m embarrassed and my actions weren’t indicative of the person I wish to be. There is no such thing as a place for violence in a world of affection and kindness.”

SEE ALSO: Will Smith apologizes to Chris Rock for slapping him at Oscars: ‘I used to be out of line and I used to be improper’

The 53-year-old actor added apologies to the movie academy, producers of the telecast, attendees, viewers and the Williams household. Smith was honored Sunday for his function as Richard Williams, father of Venus and Serena, in “King Richard.”

“I’m a piece in progress,” added Smith.

The incident hit dwelling for some Philadelphians who’ve a particular connection to the Wynnefield native.

Joey Zazalino is a household pal of the Smiths and grew up working at an ice cream retailer owned by Will Smith’s father.

Zazalino can be an area radio persona and recording artist.

“I feel what occurred is when his spouse was harm that is what made the distinction. Will Smith just isn’t a foul particular person, he is Will Smith. He is an amazing man. He comes from an amazing background. I feel he was extra so in protection of his spouse. He is obtained to go dwelling with that girl. He is obtained to sleep along with her each night time. I feel emotional intelligence could have been a bit of missing at that second, however the entire world was watching, and he thought he wanted to defend his spouse,” mentioned Zazalino.

Zazalino mentioned we should not lose sight of Smith’s Oscar win and he hopes the highlight additionally turns to West Philadelphia native Questlove.

“It is vital Quest will get acknowledged. It was an enormous deal to have so many individuals from Philly on the Oscars at one time.”

Longtime WDAS radio host Patty Jackson mentioned she understands how Chris Rock’s joke might sting.

Jada Pinkett Smith suffers from alopecia, which impacts hair loss. It is one thing Jackson is aware of.

It took me a minute to actually embrace this new, what I’ve now with sporting a curly wig and what I’ve happening,” mentioned Jackson.

After calling a board of governors assembly Monday to debate the incident, the movie academy mentioned that it evaluate Smith’s actions and “will discover additional motion and penalties in accordance with our bylaws, requirements of conduct and California legislation.” The Los Angeles Police Division mentioned Sunday it was conscious of the incident however was not pursuing an investigation as a result of the particular person concerned declined to file a police report.

The Related Press contributed to this report.