Will Smith Makes First Appearance Since Oscars Slap Incident at a Private Airport in India

When Will Smith arrived at a private airport in Mumbai on Saturday, he posed for photos with a few fans, including one airport security guard.

Will Smith seems to be in a good mood.

Over the weekend, the actor, 53, made his first public appearance since slapping Chris Rock at the 94th Academy Awards late last month.

On Saturday, Smith arrived in Mumbai, where he was greeted by a throng of paparazzi who had been waiting for him.

The King Richard star also stopped for a photo with a few fans, including an airport security guard.

The father of three wore a white T-shirt, gray shorts over white compression pants, and Nike sneakers for the occasion.

Smith stepped onstage at the 2022 Oscars and struck Rock, 57, in response to a joke about his wife Jada Pinkett Smith’s shaved head made by the comedian. (Pinkett Smith, 50, has spoken publicly about her alopecia.)

Smith returned to his seat after punching Rock and exclaimed, “Keep my wife’s name out of your f——— mouth!” to a surprised Rock, who continued the program forward by giving an award after initially being silent.

Smith has publicly apologized to Rock since the event, claiming that he “reacted emotionally” because the “joke about Jada’s physical condition was too much for me to stomach.”

The actor, who won Best Actor that night, has resigned from the Academy, which has also barred him from attending any of its events for the next ten years.

According to a letter sent by Academy President David Rubin and CEO Dawn Hudson and obtained by PEOPLE, “for a period of ten years from April 8, 2022, Mr. Smith shall not be permitted to attend any Academy events or programs, in person or virtually, including but not limited to the Academy Awards.”

“We did not appropriately address the issue in the room during our telecast. We apologize about this. We had a chance to set an example for our guests, viewers, and Academy family around the world, but we failed miserably — unprepared for the unprecedented, “They contributed in part.

Smith claimed in a statement when he resigned from the Academy that his actions were “shocking, painful, and unacceptable.”

“Chris, his family, many of my dear friends and loved ones, all those in attendance, and global audiences at home are among those I have injured. I betrayed the Academy’s trust, “he stated “I took away the opportunity for other nominees and winners to celebrate and be recognized for their outstanding efforts. I’m devastated. I want to refocus attention on those who deserve it for their accomplishments, allowing the Academy to focus on the tremendous work it does to foster filmmaking innovation and artistry.”

Source: people.com