Sophia Michaels
It’s been nearly a year since the infamous slap heard around the world at the 2022 Oscars, and Chris Rock has finally addressed his dispute with Will Smith during his highly anticipated Netflix comedy special, “Chris Rock: Selective Outrage.” During the live-streamed special, Rock gave an unfiltered response to the slap, calling out both Will and his wife, Jada Pinkett Smith. He revealed that he had been testing out material about the incident in the months leading up to the show, though audiences had been asked to keep their phones locked up during his most recent tours.
Rock shared why he didn’t “fight back” after the slap. “‘How come you didn’t do nothing back that night?'” Rock said of the question he hears the most. “Because I got parents. You know what my parents taught me? Don’t fight in front of white people.” He also expressed his love for Will Smith, saying, “My whole life, I loved Will Smith. I have rooted for Will Smith my whole life. And now I watch ‘Emancipation’ just to see him get whupped.”
The comedian also took aim at Jada’s relationship with singer August Alsina, which occurred while she and Will were taking some time apart. “We all been cheated on. Everybody in this industry has been cheated on,” Rock continued. “None of us have ever been interviewed by the person that cheated on us on television. None of us. Why the f*ck would you do that sh*t? She hurt him way more than he hurt me, OK?”
As a result of the incident, Will was banned from the award ceremony for 10 years. Though he has since apologized multiple times to Rock, it seems unlikely the comedian is ready to forgive him. The Academy has since implemented a crisis team for the 2023 Oscars and beyond to handle any unexpected moments.
