Why it took Will Smith five months to issue video apology to Chris Rock in aftermath of Oscars slap

Will Smith reportedly spoke out about the Chris Rock Oscars slap in a video apology because he felt it was the right time to do so.

The King Richard star shared his apology on all his social media channels over the weekend, telling the comedian how remorseful and ashamed he was for losing it when Rock made a joke about his wife, Jada Pinkett Smith.

Now a source shares an insight into why Smith chose to share the video apology five months after the March 27 incident and not any sooner. 

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"There was no rhyme or reason to it other than time had passed, work had been done, the same questions had been bubbling up and also people were really wanting to hear from him in other ways, not even about this," a source told People magazine. 

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"There was just a general feeling that it's time and he's at a place where he had more things he wanted to say," the source added. "He has always had that direct connection to people on social media and he felt it was appropriate now to show up and answer some questions."

The source added that Smith has also been working with a therapist and even recently visited India to meet with spiritual leader Sadhguru to help him heal. 

However, the source noted that actor still has a lot of work to do on himself. 

"If you spend your life beating yourself up over one thing then it's really hard to move forward as the positive, joyful person that you know you are," the source said. "But he's also in a very human place, recognising that mistake and really looking at it and not brushing over it."

In his video apology, Smith confirmed he was working on himself and he has a long road ahead.

"I'm trying to be remorseful without be ashamed of myself," the actor said in the five-minute clip. "I'm human. I made a mistake and I'm trying not to think of myself as a piece of s---."

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"I hate when I let people down. It hurts me psychologically and emotionally to know I didn't live up to people's image and impression of me," he added.

"I know it was confusing, I know it was shocking, but I promise you I am deeply devoted and committed to putting light and love and joy into the world. And if you hang on, I promise we'll be able to be friends again."

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Title: Why it took Will Smith five months to issue video apology to Chris Rock in aftermath of Oscars slap
Sourced From: celebrity.nine.com.au/latest/will-smith-why-released-video-apology-five-months-after-chris-rock-oscars-slap/ad93c677-7d1c-4922-9064-3a8bf1b6b9f8
Published Date: Mon, 01 Aug 2022 19:08:00 GMT