AsVarietynotes, Smith won for his portrayal of Richard Williams, father of tennis icons Venus and Serena Williams.
In his speech, a visibly tearful Smith said, “I want to apologize to the Academy.
I want to apologize to all my fellow nominees.
This is a beautiful moment, and I’m not crying for winning an award.
It’s not about winning an award for me.”
Smith went on to credit the cast and crew of the hit biopic.
I look like the crazy father, just like they said about Richard Williams."
However, the real-life Williams took issue with his onscreen counterpart’s initial justification for his actions.
As it turns out, the real-life Richard Williams wasn’t too impressed either.
Smith’s behavior was condemned by The Academy in a direct statement posted toTwitter.
A formal investigation is currently underway, perthe New York Post.
