Will Smith has issued a public apology for sucker-slapping Chris Rock on the Oscars last night. If you don't feel like clicking over to read it — or in case the link has expired — here's the second of three paragraphs…
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.
One does suspect this was the work of a squadron of agents, managers, publicists, perhaps a lawyer or two, and maybe one of those consultants who specializes in career damage control. But maybe Smith wrote it himself. It's not bad for what it is but I doubt it'll change the minds of lots of folks who lost their respect for Smith and maybe even their willingness to see his next film.
And yes, I'm aware that there are a lot of people out there who think Smith did the right, manly thing and/or that it was about time someone slugged Chris Rock or certain other comedians of his type. I would remind them that, first of all, what Rock said is not a crime but what Smith did is. And "he (or she) was asking for it" is the first line of a very bad defense in lots of cases of assault and battery…and even rape or murder.