Chris Rock tenders apology to Jada, Will Smith

American comedian Chris Rock who was slapped at the Oscars has tendered an apology to Will Smith, his wife Jada Pickett, and the organisers of the Academy Awards.

His heartfelt apology was posted on Tuesday on his manager’s social media account.

He wrote; “As a comedian, it can be difficult to understand which lines are to be crossed and which ones aren’t. Last night I crossed a line that I shouldn’t have and paid the enormous price of my reputation as a renowned comedian.

“Comedy is never about poking fun at or making lite of people with major ordeals happening in their lives. Comedy is about using real-life circumstances to create laughter and bring light to an otherwise dark world.

” With that said, I sincerely apologise to my friends Jada Pickett-Smith, Will Smith, and the rest of the Smith family for the disrespect and disregard I displayed which was unfortunately broadcast for the world to see.

” I hope that, with time, forgiveness can come of this situation and we can all be better, more considerate people in the end”