Serena And Venus Williams’ Father Richard Speaks Out — Says ‘We Don’t Condone Anyone Hitting Anyone Else’ After Will Smith Slap
The father of Venus and Serena Williams is speaking out to condemn violence after Will Smith slapped comedian Chris Rock at the Oscars’ ceremony on Sunday.
Richard Williams, via his son Chavoita LeSane, told NBC News, “We don’t know all the details of what happened. But we don’t condone anyone hitting anyone else unless it’s in self-defense.” LeSane, who has been serving as Richard William’s spokesman since his 80-year-old father had a stroke, declined to go beyond his statement when asked for comment on Smith’s Oscar acceptance speech, the news outlet notes.
As we previously reported, during the 94th Academy Awards on Sunday, Chris Rock made a “G.I. Jane 2” joke directed at Smith’s wife Jada Pinkett Smith’s bald head, which she shaved because she’s battling alopecia. The joke caused Will to sock Chris Rock in the face out of anger, something he has since apologized for twice.
In his new apology that includes one to Chris Rock, will says:
“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,” he wrote. “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.” Smith added in his post that, “Violence in all forms is poisonous and destructive.”
“I deeply regret that my behavior has stained what has been an otherwise gorgeous journey for all of us,” he wrote. “I am a work in progress.”
The Academy has since announced a formal review of Will’s incident despite Chris Rock declining to press charges.
Press Play Below For More:
https://youtu.be/qaN0whso7bc