Smith discusses the Oscar slap incident with Trevor Noah in an open conversation.

In a recent interview with Trevor Noah, actor Will Smith opened up about the events that transpired at the 94th Academy Awards and his upcoming film, "Emancipation."

Smith, who won the "Best Actor" award for his role as Richard Williams in the movie "King Richard," found himself at the centre of controversy when he slapped comedian Chris Rock on stage. The incident, which became the highlight of the Oscars night, led to a ten-year ban from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

Reflecting on the incident, Smith admitted to losing control. "I understand how shocking that was for people," he said. "I was out of line and I was wrong. I'm here whenever you're ready to talk about it."

However, the first half of the interview focused on discussing "Emancipation," a film in which Smith plays an enslaved person facing his battles to escape Louisiana after Abraham Lincoln approved the Emancipation Proclamation. The film will hit the theaters on Friday and Apple TV+ on Dec. 9.

Smith expressed hope that viewers will consider the story's significance and the hard work the production team has put in. He also hopes that the work of the "Emancipation" team will not be tainted based on his actions.

Smith also addressed the elephant in the room, acknowledging that some may not be ready to watch "Emancipation" due to his actions. "If someone is not ready to watch 'Emancipation,' I would absolutely respect that," he said. "But I hope audiences will still watch it despite their disapproval of my actions."

Smith resigned from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in April and has been working on rebuilding his career since the incident. He told host Trevor Noah that he "had to humble down" in months following the incident.

It was reported that Rock was joking about Smith's wife, Jada Pinkett Smith, who has her head fully shaved due to alopecia. Smith never revealed his issues that night but apologized publicly days after the incident.

As Smith promotes "Emancipation," he continues to face the consequences of his actions at the Oscars. Despite this, he remains hopeful for the future and the impact his work can have on audiences.

Smith discusses the Oscar slap incident with Trevor Noah in an open conversation.