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 residence, 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 surprised the Dolby Theatre crowd and viewers at residence. The Academy of Movement Photos Arts and Sciences condemned Smith hanging Rock, who had made a joke about his spouse, Jada Pinkett Smith, and mentioned it might launch an inquiry.

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

“Violence in all of its kinds is toxic and harmful,” mentioned Smith in a press release issued by his publicist and posted on Instagram. “My conduct eventually evening’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 wish to publicly apologize to you, Chris. I used to be out of line and I used to be mistaken. I’m embarrassed and my actions weren’t indicative of the person I wish to be. There isn’t any 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 mistaken’

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 position as Richard Williams, father of Venus and Serena, in “King Richard.”

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

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

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

Zazalino can also be a neighborhood radio character and recording artist.

“I believe what occurred is when his spouse was damage that is what made the distinction. Will Smith shouldn’t be a nasty particular person, he is Will Smith. He is an important man. He comes from an important background. I believe he was extra so in protection of his spouse. He is obtained to go residence with that woman. He is obtained to sleep together with her each evening. I believe emotional intelligence could have been slightly 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 necessary Quest will get acknowledged. It was a giant 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 may 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 essentially embrace this new, what I’ve now with sporting a curly wig and what I’ve occurring,” 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 regulation.” 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.