Hollywood actor Will Smith publicly apologised on Monday to stand-up comedian Chris Rock for slapping him on stage during the Oscars award function, as The Academy of Motion Picture Art and Sciences said it was launching a formal review of the incident.
The Academy condemned his behavior and said it was looking at possible sanctions.
"We have officially started a formal review around the incident and will explore further action and consequences in accordance with our Bylaws, Standards of Conduct and California law," it said in a statement.
Smith, who won the best actor award on the night reacted violently after comedian cracked a joke about his wife Jada Pinkett Smith's hair which has fallen off due to a medical condition.
"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," Will Smith wrote on Instagram.
"Violence in all of its forms is poisonous and destructive. My behavior at last night's Academy Awards was unacceptable and inexcusable," Smith said.
"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."
Smith had tearfully apologized to his fellow nominees and the Academy but did not mention Chris Rock when he accepted his historic Oscar a few minutes after the deplorable incident.
"Love will make you do crazy things," he said.
Repeating the apology to the organisers, Smith said, "I would also like to apologize to the Academy, the producers of the show, all the attendees and everyone watching around the world.”
Most Hollywood celebrities have condemned Smith’s behaviour.
Also read: Uncensored Video: Hollywood star Will Smith punches Oscar presenter
