Will Smith Issues Lengthy Statement Apologising For 'Poisonous' Behaviour At Oscars

Will Smith has officially apologised to comedian Chris Rock for his actions at this year's Oscars, confirming in a public statement: "I was out of line and I was wrong."

The King Richard actor sparked major controversy at Sunday's ceremony when he smacked Rock in response to a joke about his wife Jada Pinkett-Smith.

Watch the moment here:

Will's smack came after Chris Rock, who is known for his dark humour, pointed to Jada in the audience and said: "Jada, can't wait for GI Jane 2," in an apparent reference to her shaved head.

In reaction to the joke, Pinkett-Smith appeared to grimace and roll her eyes. The actress and singer has been open about her struggles with the autoimmune disease alopecia.

While accepting his Oscar for Best Lead Actor, Will apologised to the Academy and his fellow nominees for his violent response, but failed to acknowledge Rock.

However, on Monday night, the Fresh Prince star finally apologised to Chris in a statement issued to his Instagram, telling followers that his actions were "not indicative of the man I want to be."

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Will's statement read: "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. There is no place for violence in a world of love and kindness. 

"I would also like to apologize to the 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 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. Sincerely, Will."

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Smith beat out competition from Denzel Washington in The Tragedy of Macbeth, Javier Bardem in Being the Ricardos, Benedict Cumberbatch in The Power of the Dog and Andrew Garfield in Tick, Tick...Boom! to win his very first Oscar.