Will Smith's real statement about James Avery, his Uncle Phil from 'Fresh Prince'

Actor James Avery recently passed away on New Year's Eve from reported heart surgery complications. Gossip Cop has reported that fellow Fresh Prince of Bel-Air actor Will Smith has released his first statement on Avery's death.

The real statement was posted to his Facebook and reads: 

Some of my greatest lessons in Acting, Living and being a respectable human being came through James Avery. Every young man needs an Uncle Phil. Rest in Peace

"This photo was the last time we were together" 

The photograph he's referring to is pictured above. It's already received over 54,000 shares on Facebook.

Avery played Uncle Phil to Fresh Prince Will Smith for six years. The Internet was all abuzz when Will Smith "tweets" about Avery circulated, which turned out to be a complete hoax. There was even a phony correspondence with NBC about a reuinion show. Smith does not have an official twitter account at this point.

Will Smith's wife Jada Pinkett-Smith also released a statement, but earlier: "Happy New Year everyone! I was hoping to start the new year differently but we have lost yet another friend. James Avery who we all lovingly know as Uncle Phil from The Fresh Prince has passed."