Chris Rock

Will Smith says he has 'reached out' to Chris Rock about Oscars slap

The actor slapped Rock on stage at the Academy Awards in March, after the comic made a joke about Smith's wife.

On Friday, Smith released a video reflecting on the slap - the first time he has been seen discussing it - in which he reiterated his apology.

"Chris, I apologise to you. My behaviour was unacceptable," he said.

"I'm here whenever you're ready to talk."

Smith has previously only issued written statements about the altercation. In the video, on his own YouTube channel, he answers questions that appear to be written by fans.

Will Smith apologises to Chris Rock after Oscars slap

"I would like to publicly apologise to you, Chris," he said in a statement. "I was out of line and I was wrong."

It comes after the Oscars film academy condemned Smith over the incident and announced a formal review.

The star slapped Rock in the face on stage after the comic made a joke about the actor's wife, Jada Pinkett Smith.

Rock had taken aim at Pinkett Smith's shaved head, a result of the hair-loss condition alopecia.

Will Smith hits Chris Rock on Oscars stage

Referring to Pinkett Smith's shaved hairdo, Rock said: "Jada, can't wait for GI Jane 2."

Smith walked up on stage and appeared to strike Rock before returning to his seat and shouting: "Keep my wife's name out of your... mouth."

Smith later apologised in a tearful best actor acceptance speech.

"I want to apologise to the Academy. I want to apologise to my all my fellow nominees," Smith said after winning the first Oscar of his career for playing the father of tennis legends Venus and Serena Williams in King Richard.

Rock, Schumer and Chappelle hit the stage

There's no punchline. It actually happened Wednesday night.

The three comedy heavy hitters took the stage together at New York's Comedy Cellar.

Rock posted a photo of the event with the caption "Working out with Dave and Amy. Total blackout tour coming."

Rock was referring to his upcoming comedy tour, which has generated a lot of excitement since the comic hasn't hit the road in years.

Rock will also be bringing his comedy to Netflix, as will Schumer and Chappelle, who also have comedy special deals with the streaming giant.

Oscars 2016: Host Chris Rock calls event 'White People's Choice Awards'

Viewers took to social media as soon as Rock's monologue began, with some criticising the comedian's approach, while others gave praise.

Rock was quick to address the "White Oscars" elephant-in-the-room issue which has surrounded the awards since the nominees were announced earlier this year, which revealed all nominees in the major categories were white.