A family matter. Bel-Air: The Fresh PrinceStar Tatyana AliFormer costars were criticised Will SmithFor slapping Chris Rock at the Oscars — but she still cares for her on-screen cousin.
“I love [Will Smith] very much,” the former child star, 43, wrote via TwitterSunday, April 3. “[But] Chris Rock didn’t deserve to be hit. Period.” Adding that her “heart aches” over the altercation, Ali explained that she believes Smith, 53, is still a good person. “I don’t know what caused that chaos & confusion, but I do know that Will has a big heart. I’ve seen him many times try his best to do what is right. I believe in him.”
The singer is the earliest member of the Bel-Air: The Fresh PrinceThe incident was discussed by several witnesses.
Smith slapped Rock (57), in the face Sunday, March 27, following a joke about Rock. Jada Pinkett Smith — who has alopecia — starring in G.I. Jane 2“, a reference her shaved forehead. After storming the stage in defense of his wife, 50, the “Gettin’ Jiggy With It” rapper returned to his seat and yelled for Rock to “Keep my wife’s name out of your f–ing mouth.”
Smith was awarded the Best Actor Award later in the evening for the performance in King RichardHe cried and apologized for his actions. “I’m being called on in my life to love people and to protect people and to be a river to my people,” he said. “I want to apologize to the academy. I want to apologize to all my fellow nominees … Thank you for this moment. Thank you, Richard and the entire Williams Family. We are very grateful. I hope the academy invites me back.”
The next day, Ali actor issued a public apology to Rock, writing via Instagram, “My behavior at last night’s Academy Awards was unacceptable and inexcusable. … I would like to publicly apologize to you, Chris. I was wrong and I was out of line. I am ashamed and my actions are not indicative the man I want. There is no place for violence in a world of love and kindness.”
Smith’s post continued: “I would also like to apologize to The Academy, the producers of the show, all the attendees and everyone watching around the world.”
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced Monday, March 28 that they would be conducting an investigation into the matter. “The Academy condemns the actions of Mr. Smith at last night’s show,” the Academy said in a statement via Variety on Monday, March 28. “We have officially started a formal review around the incident and will explore further action and consequences in accordance with our Bylaws, Standards of Conduct and California law.”
Smith resigned from the Academy four days later, announcing that he plans to “fully accept any and all consequences for my conduct.”
In a statement VarietyThe Bad Boys star continued, “I deprived other nominees and winners of their opportunity to celebrate and be celebrated for their extraordinary work. I am heartbroken. I want to focus attention on the people who deserve it for their achievements and allow Academy to return to its incredible work supporting creativity and art in film. So, I am resigning from membership in the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and will accept any further consequences the Board deems appropriate.”
During a standup show in Boston on Wednesday, March 30, Rock told the crown that he is “still processing” everything that happened on Oscar night.
