Few instances in the history of televised award presentations have come close to matching the shock factor created by Will Smith hitting Chris Rock at the 2022 Oscars.
In his capacity as the evening’s host, Rock made a passing remark about Smith’s wife, Jada Pinkett Smith, having alopecia, which prompted Smith to leave his seat, approach the stage, and administer a blow that no one saw coming.
It’s been a year since the iconic event, but despite keeping a low profile, Rock seems to be in no mood to turn the other cheek. On the contrary, the comedian just aired a Netflix special in which he discussed Smith, his wife, and the events of last year’s Academy Awards in depth.
Smith, on his part, is alleged to have been ashamed and offended.
It’s hard to believe it’s been a year since the Oscar disaster of 2022.
Will Smith became viral for all the wrong reasons on the night he was honored with the trophy for “Best Actor” for his depiction of the father of Venus and Serena Williams in King Richard, evoking the ire of fellow guests and TV viewers across the globe.
The 54-year-old actor was barred from attending the Academy Awards for ten years and has spent most of the last year apologizing for his actions.
Chris Rock, on the other hand, waited before responding. Chris Rock: Selective Outrage, the popular comedian’s new Netflix special, was released a week before this year’s Oscars, and he didn’t hold back when it came to Smith.
One knows what happened to him when Suge Smith slapped him. Everyone is aware, Rock said. It’s still painful. ‘Summertime’ is ringing in his ears.
He added that they are not the same size,. This man makes videos while wearing no shirt. One will never see him in a movie with his shirt off. He puts on a sweatshirt if he is in a movie having open-heart surgery.
Rock went on to reference Smith’s wife, Jada Pinkett Smith, referring to the “entanglement” that was the foundation of the actress’ prior confession about seeing another guy while married.
He had no entanglements, Rock said. Jada hurt him much more than he did.
He adores Will Smith, Rock said at the end. Now he simply watches ‘Emancipation’ to see him get whooped.
Smith has been emotionally touched by Rock’s Netflix special. Despite the claims that he hasn’t seen it yet, he has been briefed on its substance by others, which has left him humiliated and ashamed.
Yet, it is believed that Rock would have been willing to let the notorious slap fade into the background of people’s memories if he had gotten a thorough and personal apology.
Chris never received a one-on-one private apology from Will, a source close to Rock told.
Who were/are you in the “slap gate” controversy? Do you think Chris Rock’s jokes went too far? Or was Will Smith acting erratically when he slapped him?
In the comments section, please share your opinions and emotions on all of the above.
