Will Smith and mother Caroline Bright.Photo: Gilbert Carrasquillo/Getty Images
Will Smith’s mother is speaking out about him hittingChris Rockat the 2022Academy Awards.
In an interview withABC Philadelphia affiliate WPVI, published Tuesday,Caroline Brightdescribed her son as “a very even, people person” and noted, “That’s the first time I’ve ever seen him go off.”
“First time in his lifetime … I’ve never seen him do that,” added Bright, 85.
In general, Bright told WPVI that she was “proud of” her son “for being him,” and excited that he went on to win the Oscar for Best Actor for his role asRichard WilliamsinKing Richard.
“I know how he works, how hard he works … I’ve been waiting and waiting and waiting. When I heard the name, I was just, ‘Yes!’ " she added.
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The comment was about Jada’s hair matchingDemi Moore’s shaved head in the movieG.I. Jane. (Jada, 50, recently opened up about her bald head, revealing it was a result of heryears-long struggle with alopecia.) Jada was visibly unamused, rolling her eyes from her seat.
Seconds later, Will, 53, walked onstage and approached Rock,smacking him in front of the audienceand millions watching at home. Back at his table, Will shouted to a stunned Rock, “Keep my wife’s name out of your f—ing mouth,” then remained seated with Jada at his table for the rest of the night.
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In his tearful acceptance speech Sunday, Will apologized to the Academy and his fellow nomineesbut did not mention Rock. He also spoke about acting out of love and protection, saying, “Love makes you do crazy things.”
Rock has not yet spoken out since the incident. Hedeclined to press charges, and reps for the comedian have not responded to PEOPLE’s request for comment.
Inan initial statementafter the show, the Academy said it “does not condone violence of any form” and added, “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.”
RELATED VIDEO: HowWill SmithSmacking Chris Rock atthe Oscars— and the Aftermath — Unfolded
Willposted a formal apology to Rockon social media Monday evening, beginning, “Violence in all of its forms is poisonous and destructive. My behavior at last night’s Academy Awards was unacceptable and inexcusable. Jokes at my expense are a part of the job, but a joke about Jada’s medical condition was too much for me to bear and I reacted emotionally.”
“I would like to publicly apologize to you, Chris. I was out of line and I was wrong. I am embarrassed and my actions were not indicative of the man I want to be,” he continued, which was the first time the Oscar winner directly apologized to the man he hit. “There is no place for violence in a world of love and kindness.”
“I would alsolike to apologize tothe Academy, the producers of the show, all the attendees and everyone watching around the world. I would like to apologize to the Williams Family and myKing RichardFamily,” the actor continued. “I deeply regret that my behavior has stained what has been an otherwise gorgeous journey for all of us.”
“I am a work in progress,” Will concluded.
Ahead of Will’s apology, the Academy said in a statement Monday that it “condemns the actions of Mr. Smith at last night’s show. We haveofficially started a formal reviewaround the incident and will explore further action and consequences in accordance with our Bylaws, Standards of Conduct and California law.”
In addition, the Academy shared the organization’s Standards of Conduct that “provide an ethical framework for Academy members,” and stated, “Members should act in a manner consistent with the good reputation of the Academy.”
As listed in the document, unacceptable conduct includes “physical contact that is uninvited and, in the situation, inappropriate and unwelcome.”
source: people.com
