For spiritual reasons, Will Smith flies to India after Oscar slapgate

The 53-year-old was seen for the first time since the Academy Awards when he arrived at a private airport in Mumbai

A month after the infamous Oscar slap incident, Hollywood A-lister Will Smith is on a spiritual journey. The 53-year-old actor was seen for the first time since the Academy Awards when he arrived at a private airport in Mumbai, India on Saturday. Will was met with paparazzi who awaited his arrival, and he smiled for photos with a fan.

A source confirmed to E! News that the actor traveled to India for spiritual purposes, to practice yoga and meditation. India Today, quoting sources, reported that the Hollywood actor is visiting the country for a secret spiritual meeting. Reports say the actor is in India to meet spiritual leader Sadhguru, following the incident at the Oscars where he slapped Chris Rock onstage, leading to speculation over his personal life. Smith was seen interacting and laughing with people around.

Previously, taking to social media, Smith publicly apologised to Rock for slapping him onstage while the latter took a jibe at Jada Pinkett-Smith. "The list of those I have hurt is long and includes Chris, his family, many of my dear friends and loved ones, all those in attendance, and global audiences at home. I betrayed the trust of the Academy," he said at the time.

"I deprived other nominees and winners of their opportunity to celebrate and be celebrated for their extraordinary work. I am heartbroken. I want to put the focus back on those who deserve attention for their achievements and allow the Academy to get back to the incredible work it does to support creativity and artistry in film."

Smith later concluded, "Change takes time, and I am committed to doing the work to ensure that I never again allow violence to overtake reason." Pinkett-Smith, 50, said in a statement last week that her family will eventually discuss the aftermath of the Oscars incident on her Facebook Watch talk show Red Table Talk.

"Considering all that has happened in the last few weeks, the Smith family has been focusing on deep healing. Some of the discoveries around our healing will be shared at the table when the time calls," read the statement. "Until then... the table will continue offering itself to powerful, inspiring and healing testimonies like that of our incredibly impressive first guest. Thanks for joining us, Jada."

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