Sheree Zampino and Will Smith in 1991.Photo: Ron Galella Collection via Getty

Sheree Zampino and Will Smith

Sheree Zampinois speaking out “in support” of her ex-husbandWill Smith.

“I hope people allow [Will] to be human,” said Zampino. “I really hope for that because I stand in support of him, we are on good terms.”

“You cannot heal without forgiveness,” she added.

Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human-interest stories.

Will Smith.Carlos Alvarez/Getty

“Bad Boys For Life” Madrid Photocall

The outburst led to months of fallout for the Best Actor winner, whoresigned from the Academyof Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and wasbanned from attending Academy eventsfor 10 years.

TheKing Richardactor apologized to Rockin a statement on Instagramthe following day beforeposting an apology videoon his social-media accounts July 29, explaining that night and apologizing directly to Rock and his family.

Smith claimed he had reached out to Rock privately and that he received a message back that Rock was “not ready to talk” but would “reach out” when he was.

RELATED VIDEO:Will SmithApologizes to Chris Rock in New Video: “I’m Here Whenever You’re Ready to Talk”

One day afterthe Oscars, Zampinoposted a photo on Instagramof herself holding Smith’s golden Academy Award statuette as they smiled together.

Shewrote in the caption, “Epic Night! Congratulations again — when 1 wins we all win!#family1st.”

“He has given us years of laughter. I hope people allow theopportunity for him to be human,” she added.

A source previously PEOPLE that Rock had “moved on” from the incident before Smith issued his first on-camera apology.

“Chris doesn’t need to talk. This is clearly something that bothers Will more than Chris,” the insider said of the pair. “Will needs to deal with his issues. Chris is fine.”

source: people.com