The father of tennis legends Venus and Serena Williams has spoken out in support of Will Smith and urged people to forgive him for the slap on Chris Rock at the Oscars.
Richard Williams has a vested interest in Smith at the moment as the actor played him in the Oscar-winning film ‘King Richard’.
It is very rare for Williams to be heard in interviews, but he wanted to defend Smith after the actor received widespread criticism and abuse for his actions at the Academy Awards last year.
Smith took issue with a joke that Chris Rock made on stage at the expense of his wife and it led to Smith shouting at Rock and then hitting him in the face.
Richard Williams defends Will Smith
Williams explained when on Good Morning Britain that he doesn’t feel sorry for Chris Rock after what happened.
“I think he has done the best thing he needed to do, but I would never be disgusted with Mr Smith,” he said of the actor’s response.
“I don’t see nothing wrong with [what he did].
“As a matter of fact, I appreciate Mr Smith.
“I don’t feel sorry for no one.
“It’s time for everyone to forgive Will Smith.
“I’m 81 years old, but, when I was about 51 years or younger, I almost killed any damn one, so I think Mr Smith has done a great deal not to.”
Williams would like to see Smith‘s ban from the Oscars lifted so that he can attend the next ceremony and any others after that.