Jada Pinkett Smithis back to work with the new episode ofRed Table Talknow streaming on Facebook Watch, but don’t expect to hear her open up about the Oscars controversy. As almost everyone on the planet is well aware by this point, Smith was at the center of controversy when comedian Chris Rock cracked a joke about her short-cut hairstyle. This angered her husband, Will Smith, who smacked Chris Rock on the head before shouting obscenities at him while millions watched it all unfold live worldwide.
On Wednesday,Red Table Talkpremiered, and Smith did not physically address the Oscars situation on the show. However, a title card signed by Jada was revealed at the start of the show that explained that the Smiths are still “focused on deep healing,” and unable to publicly talk about the scandal in depth. Smith does suggest that these discussions will happen on a future episode ofRed Table Talkwhen the family is ready for that to happen.
“Considering all that has happened in the last few weeks, the Smith family has been focused on deep healing. Some of the discoveries around our healing will be shared at the table when the time calls. Until then… the table will continue offering itself to powerful, inspiring and healing testimonies like that of our incredibly impressive first guest (Janelle Monáe). Thanks for joining us, Jada.”
This would mark the second time Jada Pinkett Smith has addressed the Oscars controversy. She similarly called for healing with a brief statement previously posted to Instagram shortly after the incident. While not mentioning Chris Rock or Will Smith, the actress andRed Table Talkhost simply noted, “This is a season for healing and I’m here for it.”
Related:Jada Pinkett Smith Breaks Silence After Oscars Incident, Calls for ‘Healing’
Will Smith Has Been Banned by the Academy for 10 Years
The good news for the Smiths is that Will was not arrested that night. If Chris Rock had decided to file charges, Smith could have been escorted out of the building in handcuffs instead of accepting a Best Lead Actor award later in the night. During his acceptance speech, Smith apologized for how his behavior affected his fellow nominees, but did not apologize to Rock directly. After widespread backlash, the actor issued a public apology to Rock the next day byposting a statement on Instagram.
“Violence in all of its forms is poisonous and destructive," Smith said. “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.”
He added, “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 myKing Richardfamily. I deeply regret that my behavior has stained what has been an otherwise gorgeous journey for all of us.”
