Women's Facebook Group Defends Will Smith For Standing Up For His Wife: 'Chris Rock Deserved It'

On Monday night, Will Smith finally apologized to Chris Rock in a lengthy Instagram post.

At the 94th annual Academy Awards on Sunday night, Rock made a comment about Smith being married to “G.I. Jane,” poking fun at Jada Pinkett Smith’s alopecia – an autoimmune disease that causes hair loss. The “King Richard” actor shouted, “Keep my wife’s name out of your f—ing mouth” before he rushed the stage and slapped Rock.

When Smith took the stage to give his acceptance speech for Best Actor shortly after, he apologized to the Academy and to the nominees, but not to Rock himself. On Monday night, he wrote a long and thoughtful apology to his former friend.

On Monday night, Will Smith shared a statement to his Instagram account apologizing for his behavior at the Oscars.

“Violence in all of its forms is poisonous and destructive,” he began. “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,” he added. “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,” he went on. “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.”

He signed off his behavior by saying, “I am a work in progress.”

The apology was shared to a Facebook group called A Woman’s Soul, which received over 20K likes, 3K comments, and 5.3K shares with everyone weighing in with their thoughts.

“Great apology Will because you know what the potential repercussions can be,” one user wrote. “But honestly, Rock deserved it for that totally inappropriate joke he made about your wife..Women say they want their husbands to stand up for them until one actually does..then they get all self-righteous ..stay strong bro.”

“A man who loves and protects his family would do the same thing. I still respect and love you and your family and work,” another wrote. “Learning experience for all of us. Mr Rock probably feels the same. Sake hands and both be an example of kindness and hope in this crazy world we live in. I love your family and his.”

“You did what you thought was best. And defending your wives honor was very understandable,” another shared. “I commend you for acknowledging your behavior and apologizing to Chris was very commendable. Thank You for being you. The Best that you can be.”

“He has redeemed himself and I again see him as I always have,” another wrote. “Great admiration for him. Chris Rock deserved this apology and showed great restraint in not hitting Will back. Two great men!!!!”

“So proud of you Will Smith being man enough to admit your mistake the both of you were wrong,” said another. “I'm so glad the both of you correct it before it got out of hand. I'll be praying for the both of you and your families.”

“For that apology was totally needed for the whole world I felt he is sincere and hope that all can forgive and accept his apology,” another wrote. “We all are going through a lot silently hope's that all be understanding.”

“This!!! A man apologizing when he is wrong. I am very happy to see this as I was so disappointed in Will and his actions,” another wrote. “It takes a big person to apologize. Proud of both men for their apologies. The world needs more people taking responsibility and admitting when they do wrong.”