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Will Smith's mother is speaking out about the actor's Oscar win and the viral moment he slapped Chris Rock across the face, just minutes prior.
In an interview following the awards show, Carolyn Smith shared how proud she is of her son on his first Oscars win.
"I know how he works, how hard he works...I've been waiting and waiting and waiting. When I heard the name, I was just, 'Yes!'" the actor's mom recalled to Philadelphia's 6abc.
Carolyn added that she woke up early on Oscars Sunday and gave her son a special shout-out in the family's group text.
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"I started out saying, 'Good morning, we've got to say good luck to Uncle Will," she recalled.
Will Smith's mother has spoken out about his viral moment at the Oscars. (Michel Dufour/WireImage)
Carolyn Smith was joined by the actor's sisters and other relatives as they watched the ceremony from a family home in Philadelphia.
Addressing the viral moment of his onstage violence, Carolyn Smith suggested her son had never been confrontational like that.
"He is a very even, people person. That's the first time I've ever seen him go off," she said.
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"First time in his lifetime... I've never seen him do that," Smith's mother added.
Will Smith hits presenter Chris Rock on stage at the Oscars on Sunday, March 27, 2022, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
Despite the on-camera scandal, Carolyn Smith concluded that she is "proud of him being him."
Meanwhile, Smith's younger sister Ellen reflected on what her famous brother has overcome to get to where he is today in his acting career.
"I've had conversations with him, and it like really kind of broke my heart listening to the things he's said he had to go through to get to where he is," she said.
Smith stunned the Dolby Theatre crowd and viewers at home when he took the stage during Rock's remarks after the comedian made a joke about Jada Pinkett Smith, Smith's wife. Rock turned to Pinkett Smith and said, "Jada, I love you. ‘G.I. Jane 2,’ can’t wait to see it."
The joke touched a nerve. Pinkett Smith, whose head is shaved, has spoken publicly about her alopecia diagnosis. Rock has also previously joked about her. Rock hosted the 2016 Oscars, when some were boycotting the ceremony over the #OscarsSoWhite group of nominees, including the Smiths. Said Rock: "Jada boycotting the Oscars is like me boycotting Rihanna’s panties. I wasn’t invited."
Smith strode on stage and slapped the comedian across the face. Back in his seat, Smith twice shouted for Rock to "get my wife’s name out your (expletive) mouth." His words echoed clearly throughout the Dolby, though ABC cut the audio for about 15 seconds. Within an hour, Smith won best actor. During his acceptance speech, Smith apologized to the Academy.
Actor Will Smith and his mother Carolyn Smith. (Bryan Bedder/Getty Images)
In a statement Monday, a spokesperson for the film academy told Variety: "The Academy condemns the actions of Mr. Smith at last night’s show. We have officially started a formal review around the incident and will explore further action and consequences in accordance with our Bylaws, Standards of Conduct and California law."
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The Academy previously issued a statement on Sunday, stating that it "does not condone violence of any form."
After the Academy confirmed it's launching a formal review, Smith issued a public apology to Rock.
His full statement reads: "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."
Jada Pinkett Smith, Willow Smith, Will Smith, Jaden Smith and Trey Smith attend the 2022 Vanity Fair Oscar Party. (Rich Fury/VF22/Getty Images for Vanity Fair)
"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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"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. 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. Sincerely, Will."
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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