“I crossed the line and I was wrong,” Smith wrote. “Joking about myself is part of the job. But I couldn’t bear a joke about Jada’s medical condition and I reacted emotionally. I am ashamed and my actions are not representative of the man I want to be,” the actor said. The medical condition Smith is referring to is alopecia areata, where the hair falls out. Pinkett-Smith announced in 2018 that she suffered from the condition and is now shaving her entire head.
On Monday, the Oscars organization announced it was opening an official investigation into the Rock and Smith incident. Previously, the organization left it at a short statement, but it is now going to see whether the blow that Smith gave will have consequences.
“The Academy condemns Mr. Smith’s actions during last night’s show,” a spokesperson told Variety. “We are investigating the incident and looking for further actions or consequences.”
According to Variety, it appears that Smith could face a sanction. He is unlikely to lose his Oscar, which he won for his role in King Richard, according to the American entertainment magazine. The Hollywood Reporter reports that there has been “urgent consultation” at the Academy.
The organization previously only stated that it does not allow “any form of violence”.