Chris Rock to respond to Will Smith’s slap in Netflix pre-Oscars special
Credit: Netflix / REUTERS / Alamy Stock Photo
About a year after the notorious Oscars slap from Will Smith, comedian Chris Rock has finally addressed the incident. Rock has addressed the exchange as he gets ready for his most recent Netflix show Selective Outrage as he transforms it into comedy for his forthcoming live Netflix special, which debuts on March 4.
The celebrity offered the following during a warm-up lesson in South Charleston: “Do it hurt, is what people want to know. Oh my God, that hurt.” But, the actor of Madagascar couldn’t resist cracking a joke about Smith’s part in the Muhammad Ali movie, saying: “He performed as Muhammad Ali! I engaged in Pookie!”
He said, “Even in animated movies, I’m a zebra, he’s a f**king shark,” in reference to his own role in Madagascar and Smith’s role in Shark Tale. Rock also made fun of Smith’s music by joking that “Summertime” was ringing in his ears after being struck. About a year has passed since Smith’s shocking smack during the 2022 Oscars, which Rock hosted.
Rock joked about Will Smith’s wife Jada Pinkett-shorn Smith’s head at the 2022 ceremony and addressed her specifically. “Jada, I adore you, G.I. Jane 2, can’t wait to see it,” remarked Rock. Since Pinkett-Smith has alopecia, which causes hair loss, Will Smith jumped to her wife’s defense.
Smith shouted back, “Get my wife’s name out of your f***ing mouth!” before entering the stage and hitting Rock twice. Smith later apologized to the Academy and other nominees during the ceremony, during which he was awarded the Best Actor Oscar for his leading performance in King Richard, but he made no mention of Rock.
Following the incident, Will Smith expressed regret and announced his resignation from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. The action was taken before receiving a 10-year Oscars ban.
Smith stated following the Oscars: “I made a decision for myself based on my past interactions with Chris and my personal experiences. I want to apologize to my family and kids for making everyone feel uncomfortable.
“Chris responded to my message stating he wasn’t yet ready to talk, but that he would get in touch with me when he was. “I will thus apologize to you, Chris. I apologize for my conduct, and I’m available whenever you want to talk.” Selective Outrage, Chris Rock’s live Netflix special, will be broadcast on March 4.
