Richard Williams, who Will Smith just won his first Oscar for portraying in the biographical sports drama King Richard, has now responded to Smith hitting comedian Chris Rock during the event. Speaking with NBC News, Williams issued a short statement via his son and spokesperson Chavoita LeSane in which he said that he did not “condone” Smith’s actions.

“We don’t know all the details of what happened. But we don’t condone anyone hitting anyone else unless it’s in self-defense.”

If you somehow have not already heard, Will Smith marched onto the stage during the recent 94th Academy Awards and slapped comedian Chris Rock across the face after the comedian made a joke at Smith’s wife, Jada Pinkett-Smith's expense. Rock poked fun at the actress’ short haircut, which she has as a result of alopecia, and while Will Smith seemed to initially laugh at the joke, he soon let it be known that he was not happy with Rock’s comments. LeSane added that his father was as surprised as we all were to see Smith suddenly take the stage and strike what appeared to be a very serious slap.

Around 20 minutes after the now-infamous attack, Smith was awarded his first Oscar for Best Actor for playing Richard Williams, the father and coach of famed tennis players Venus and Serena Williams, in director Reinaldo Marcus Green’s King Richard.

During his acceptance speech, Smith compared his actions with those of Williams saying: “I look like the crazy father, just like they said about Richard Williams. But love will make you do crazy things.” Hollywood has since responded to the slap, with the vast majority condemning Smith’s violent response to Chris Rock’s unseemly comments.

Will Smith Has Now Apologized to Chris Rock

will smith
ABC

While Will Smith failed to apologize to Chris Rock specifically during his acceptance speech, the now Academy Award-winning actor has now offered his apologies to the comedian via a post on Instagram. “Violence in all of its forms is poisonous and destructive,” the apology begins. “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. There is no place for violence in a world of love and kindness.”

The actor then goes on to once again apologize to The Academy, everyone involved in the event, and the audiences at home. “I would also like to apologize to the Academy, the producers of the show, all the attendees and everyone watching around the world,” Smith continues. “I would like to apologize to the Williams Family and my King Richard Family. 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.”