Serena Williams opens up on Will Smith’s Oscar slap

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Serena Williams

Serena Williams insists that she has moved on from the controversy that engulfed the Oscars last year.

Will Smith would win the best actor gong for his performance in the biopic King Richard documenting the early coaching work their father did with the Williams sisters.

She says that it was unfortunate that a great film was overshadowed by a moment of madness.

Serena Williams noted that the blowup also overshadowed the award given to the documentary film Summer of Soul.

However, Serena says that her takeaway from the incident is that she would like everyone to be kind to one another.

“I thought it was such an incredible film, and I feel that there was an incredible film after that with Questlove that kinda was overshadowed,” Serena Williams told host Gayle King on CBS Mornings.

Will Smith issued an extended apology for his actions at the Oscars during which he apologised to the filmmakers and the Williams family.

“One of the things about that moment, I just didn’t realise, I wasn’t thinking, but how many people got hurt in that moment,” Smith said.

“It really breaks my heart to have stolen and have tarnished your moment,” he then says to the other nominees and winners that night. “I’m sorry really isn’t sufficient.

“I hate when I let people down,” he said.

“So it hurts. It hurts me psychologically and emotionally to know that I didn’t live up to people’s image and impression of me. The work I’m trying to do is that I’m deeply remorseful and I’m trying to be remorseful without being ashamed of myself. I’m human.”

Serena now appears less interested in making any sort of return to tennis, suggesting that it most likely won’t happen.

When asked if the door was still open a sliver to return, Serena said: “It’s hard to say, I would say no.

“For now, no because it’s just I’ve literally given my whole life to tennis and it’s time for me to give my life to something else.

“And then my dad is like Serena you should play one more Slam. You should play like two more grand slams. And I’m like dad, like stop, stop!” Serena laughed.

Serena has a busy life away from the tennis court, raising her daughter and running an investment company that has set out to provide opportunities for people from disadvantaged backgrounds.

She played what is likely to be her last tournament at the 2022 US Open.

READ MORE: Serena Williams welcomes Tom Brady to ‘retirement world again’ as she opens up about her final match ‘regret’

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