Photo: Varinder Chawla/MEGA
![PREMIUM EXCLUSIVE: Will Smith is spotted for the first time since assaulting comedian Chris after he cracked a joke about wife Jada’s shaved head. The 53-year-old actor, who was subsequently banned from future Oscar ceremonies for the next 10 years, was all smiles, posed for pictures with fans and waved to onlookers as he was seen at a private airfield in Mumbai, India. The purpose of his trip is not known. After being stuck on stage with millions of people watching and Hollywood A-listers watching in the audience, Rock announced: “Will Smith just smacked the sh*t out of me.” The assault caused a public outcry with many accusing him of setting a terrible example to fans and children. Some called the 10-year Oscar ban a ‘toothless penalty’ and says the star should have voluntarily returned his best actor award won that same evening. 23 Apr 2022 Pictured: Will Smith. Photo credit: Varinder Chawla/MEGA TheMegaAgency.com +1 888 505 6342 (Mega Agency TagID: MEGA850586_006.jpg) [Photo via Mega Agency]](https://i2.wp.com/people.com/thmb/o2fSxdBD3iQwOyR4T_cONVE5XsU=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale%28%29:max_bytes%28150000%29:strip_icc%28%29:focal%28429x374:431x376%29:format%28webp%29/Will-Smith-edb741a2301f4a3bbe26f33832415003.jpg)
Will Smithappears to be in good spirits.
The actor, 53, made his first appearance since slappingChris Rockat the 94thAcademy Awardslate last month at a private airport in India over the weekend.
TheKing Richardstar even took a moment to pose for pictures with a few fans, including one airport security guard.
For the outing, the father of three wore a white T-shirt, gray shorts over white compression pants and a set of Nike sneakers.
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During the 2022 Oscars, Smith walked onstage andstruck Rock, 57, in response to a jokethe comedian made about his wifeJada Pinkett Smith’s shaved head. (Pinkett Smith, 50, has been open aboutliving with alopecia.)
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Since the incident, Smith has publicly apologized to Rock, saying that he “reacted emotionally” because the “joke about Jada’s medical condition was too much for me to bear.”
The star, who won Best Actor that night, has since resigned from the Academy, which has alsobanned the actor from attending its eventsfor the next 10 years.
RELATED VIDEO:Will SmithBanned from Oscars Ceremony for Next 10 Years After Chris Rock Slap, Academy Decides
“During our telecast, we did not adequately address the situation in the room. For this, we are sorry. This was an opportunity for us to set an example for our guests, viewers and our Academy family around the world, and we fell short — unprepared for the unprecedented,” they added in part.
When he resigned from the Academy, Smith said in a statement that his behavior was “shocking, painful and inexcusable.”
“The list of those I have hurt is long and includes Chris, his family, many of my dear friends and loved ones, all those in attendance, and global audiences at home. I betrayed the trust of the Academy,” he said. “I deprived other nominees and winners of their opportunity to celebrate and be celebrated for their extraordinary work. I am heartbroken. I want to put the focus back on those who deserve attention for their achievements and allow the Academy to get back to the incredible work it does to support creativity and artistry in film.”
He later concluded, “Change takes time, and I am committed to doing the work to ensure that I never again allow violence to overtake reason.”
source: people.com
