Richard Williams Reacts To 'King Richard' Star Will Smith Slapping Chris Rock At 2022 Oscars

KEY POINTS

Richard Williams was shocked when Will Smith hit Chris Rock at the 2022 Oscars
Richard's son Chavoita LeSane said his father wanted to congratulate Smith for winning an Oscar
An Academy member said there was no excuse for Smith's behavior, and he should have shown greater restraint

Will Smith's violent reaction to Chris Rock's joke about his wife received mixed responses from Richard Williams and an anonymous Academy member.

The "Gemini Man" star lost his cool when Rock joked about Jada Pinkett Smith's shaved head. The comedian was on stage to present the Oscar for Best Documentary when Smith approached him and slapped him.

Smith won the Best Actor award for his portrayal of Venus Williams and Serena Williams' dad, Richard, in the biopic "King Richard." The Williams' patriarch reacted to the altercation through his son and spokesperson Chavoita LeSane. Richard, 80, was reportedly shocked when he saw Smith, 53, hit Rock, 57.

"We don't know all the details of what happened," LeSane told NBC News on Richard's behalf. "But we don't condone anyone hitting anyone else unless it's in self-defense."

When People contacted Richard, LeSane said the American coach "wants to congratulate Will on the Oscar." However, he did not provide additional details.

Meanwhile, an anonymous member of the Academy did not approve of Smith's behavior. The member said the incident would overshadow the actor's legacy.

"It's so unfortunate," the Hollywood insider, who was also a member of the Academy, told People. "The first thing we teach our children is [to] use your words and not your hands, and that was a brutal display of unbridled anger. And there was no excuse for it. It has tarnished him."

The source added that Smith received "enormous respect" from everyone when he worked hard and even championed the project "King Richard," a biopic about Richard. The insider agreed that Smith's portrayal was Oscar-worthy, but his violent reaction "taints everything."

"And that's unfortunate. He should have shown greater restraint," the Academy member added.

Smith apologized to the Academy when he accepted his Best Actor award. He also issued a public apology to Rock on Instagram Monday.

"I would like to publicly apologize to you, Chris. I was out of line and I was wrong," Smith wrote. "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."