Nearly five months after the infamous Will Smith-Chris Rock Oscar slap controversy, the former’s ex-wife, Sheree Zampino, has come forward to ask fans for forgiveness. Although the attack was gracefully handled by Chris Rock and the Academy took subsequent action, the incident in question shook the event to the public and was televised live across the world.
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Will Smith remains banned from the Oscars for the next 10 years and, with the support of his family, publicly issued several written and video statements of apology to Chris Rock. The two have yet to meet publicly.
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Will Smith’s ex-wife pleads her case to fans
Sheree Zampino was married to Will Smith for three years from 1992 to 1995 and the former couple share a son, Trey Smith, 29. Five months after the Oscars controversy, Zampino spoke publicly about the issue and updated fans via The daily mail that she supports her ex-husband.
“I hope people will allow [Will] To be human. I really hope so because I support him, we are on good terms. You cannot heal without forgiveness. He gives so generously, he puts love into everything he does, he is so gracious, so kind. He made us laugh for years. I hope people will allow him to be human.
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The actor had received the award for best actor (King Richard) at the 94th Academy Awards less than an hour after the incident. Sheree Zampino had posted a photo of the couple holding the Oscar, presumably taken after the awards ceremony. In the aftermath spinoff, Will Smith resigned from the Academy stating that he “betrayed the trust of the Academy” and would be “fully accept all the consequences” for his conduct.
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Will Smith reaches out to Chris Rock, but to no avail
Over the next few months, Smith, 53, took a reprieve from the public fracas over the controversy and followed an Eat-Pray-Love method to gain inner clarity. He reached out to fellow actor and comedian Chris Rock and apologized, saying:
“Violence in all its forms is toxic and destructive. My behavior at the Oscars last night was unacceptable and inexcusable. Jokes at my expense are part of the job, but a joke about Jada’s 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 place and I was wrong. I’m embarrassed and my actions weren’t indicative of the man I want to be. There is no place for violence in a world of love and kindness.
I am a work in progress.”
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The actor went on to release a video statement and apologized to the comedian and his family. Chris Rock later revealed on one of his shows that he was still processing what happened and would be willing to speak publicly when ready. Sources say he moved on from the incident and doesn’t need to speak.
Source: The Daily Mail
