Will Smith has been laying low since March 27, when he infamously slapped Chris Rock in the middle of the 94th Annual Academy Awards. Since then, the blockbuster movie star has resigned from the Academy, been banned from attending the Oscars for the next 10 years and publicly apologized to the legendary comedian.
But it looks like Smith is either getting back to work or simply embarking on much-needed vacation. The former Fresh Prince of Bel-Air actor touched down at a private airport in Mumbai, India earlier this week, although it’s unclear what he’s doing so far away from Hollywood. Paparazzi and fans alike were ready for him the moment he landed, shouting his name and asking for photos.
Will Smith travels to India following Oscars slap controversy https://t.co/kFQESoiLf1pic.twitter.com/Lmg58FTWEd
— Page Six (@PageSix) April 23, 2022
Several fans on Twitter drew their own conclusions and suggested Will Smith was in India on a spiritual retreat. As one person wrote, “Will Smith left India today. He came to India just to get an advice from his spiritual guru how he would control his anger before his anger controls him.”
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Shortly after the “slap heard around the world” (as it’s been commonly referred to), Smith issued an apology on Instagram, writing, “Violence in all of its forms is poisonous and destructive. My behavior at last night’s Academy Awards was unacceptable and inexcusable. 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.
“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.”
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He concluded, “I would also like to apologize to the Academy, the producers of the show, all the attendees and everyone watching around the world. I would like to apologize to the Williams Family and my King Richard Family,” he continued. “I deeply regret that my behavior has stained what has been an otherwise gorgeous journey for all of us. I am a work in progress.”
