Jada Pinkett Smith Calls For 'Healing' Amid Oscars Controversy

HOLLYWOOD, CA — Jada Pinkett Smith broke her silence on Tuesday morning for the first time since her husband, actor Will Smith, slapped comedian Chris Rock for making a joke about her bald head during the Oscars on Sunday

"This is a season for healing and I'm here for it," the actress posted on Instagram.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced it will conduct a formal review of the incident and consider possible "consequences" for the best-actor winner.

On Monday, Will Smith issued a public apology on his Instagram page hours after the academy's announcement: "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," he said, referring to his wife.

READ MORE: Rock Won't Pursue Charges Against Smith Over Oscar Smack: Police

"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."

The 53-year-old actor added apologies to the film academy, producers of the telecast, attendees and viewers.

“I am a work in progress,” added Smith.

The academy did not specify what consequences Smith could face, and no timeline for the academy's review process was provided.

The SAG-AFTRA union, which represents actors and performers in Hollywood and beyond, also issued a statement condemning Smith's actions.

"Violence or physical abuse in the workplace is never appropriate and the union condemns any such conduct," according to SAG-AFTRA. "The incident involving Will Smith and Chris Rock at last night's Academy Awards was unacceptable. We have been in contact with the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and ABC about this incident, and will work to ensure this behavior is appropriately addressed. SAG-AFTRA does not comment on any pending member disciplinary process."

READ MORE: Academy Condemns Will Smith's Actions, Launches Review

On Sunday, Rock stood on the Dolby Theatre stage to present the Oscar for Best Documentary Feature but peppered in some jokes, including one that took aim at Jada Pinkett Smith: "Jada, I love you. ‘G.I. Jane 2,’ can’t wait to see it."

Rock's joke wasn't part of his routine during the rehearsals leading up to the show, according to two sources close to production who were not authorized to speak publicly.

Pinkett Smith has previous spoken out about having alopecia, a condition that causes hair loss. Will Smith initially appeared to laugh at the joke before striding onto the Dolby stage to slap Rock.

Audience members shared mixed reactions of surprise and laughter. Some were unsure whether it was part of a comedy bit. But Smith dispelled all confusion after screaming at Rock twice, telling him to "keep my wife's name out of your (expletive) mouth."

Rock continued to present the award as silence fell over the theater.

When Smith returned to the stage to claim his award for best actor for his performance in "King Richard" — portraying the father of tennis stars Venus and Serena Williams — he hinted at the televised smack.

"Richard Williams was a fierce defender of his family," Smith said to begin his acceptance speech, drawing nervous laughter from the audience.

Fighting back tears, he later added, "I want to apologize to the academy. I want to apologize to my fellow nominees." He also appeared to express sorrow for his actions overshadowing the success of the film.

"I want to be a vessel for love," he said. "I want to say thank you to Venus and Serena ... and the entire Williams family for trusting me with your story. That's what I wanted to do, I wanted to be an ambassador of that kind of love and care and concern."

He also said later, "I look like the crazy father just like they said about Richard Williams. ... Love will make you do crazy things."

Smith didn't mention Rock in his acceptance speech, but said he hoped the academy would invite him back.

The Los Angeles Police Department issued a statement Monday saying that Rock had declined to pursue any charges against Smith.

"LAPD investigative entities are aware of an incident between two individuals during the Academy Awards program," according to the department. "The incident involved one individual slapping another. The individual involved has declined to file a police report. If the involved party desires a police report at a later date, LAPD will be available to complete an investigative report."

The Associated Press and City News Service contributed to this report.