Actor Will Smith has issued a public apology to comedian Chris Rock after a shocking incident at the Academy Awards yesterday.

Smith stormed the stage and appeared to strike Rock across the face after he made a joke that referenced Jada Pinkett Smith’s bald head.

Pinkett Smith has previously spoken about living with alopecia, a condition that causes hair loss.

The Academy is undertaking a review into the incident, with some reports suggesting it could cost him his award for Best Actor.

An apology to Chris Rock and the Academy has since been posted to Smith’s social media.

 

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Entertainment reporter Peter Ford told Sofie Formica an apology has been posted to Smith’s social media.

“Now of course we’re getting ‘Oh, I’m sorry’ and ‘it’s inexcusable’,” Mr Ford said. “Right up until the after parties, there he was, … dancing around, holding his Oscar.

“Suddenly the reality’s dawned that this could be damaging, that there could be consequences and we’re getting out the shoebox full of clichés.”

Press PLAY below to hear the full interview 

Image: Will Smith / Instagram