Chris Rock Explains Why He Refused To Host The 2023 Oscars Following The Will Smith Slap

After taking some time off to recover from his time as the host of the 2022 Academy Awards, Chris Rock is back on the stand-up comedy circuit. The renowned comedian is recounting his side of what happened after being slapped by Will Smith in front of millions of viewers in the most amusing way he knows how: through comedy. Rock revealed that the Academy had offered him the chance to host the 2023 Oscars, which he had turned down, during a performance on Sunday in Phoenix, Arizona. Rock also made jokes about the infamous slap that was heard around the globe.

When breaking the news, the celebrity compared his hosting of the Academy Awards following the Will Smith incident to the 1994 killing of Nicole Brown Simpson. Rock made light of the idea, joking that returning to the spot where he was struck would be like Nicole Brown Simpson opting “to go back to the restaurant” where she left her glasses before being killed. The comedian continued by making fun of Will Smith’s height advantage above him and telling the audience, “He’s bigger than me. The state of Nevada would not sanction a fight between me and Will Smith.”

Smith, who was barred from the Academy Awards for ten years, finally spoke out about the incident last month in a video apology. “I was fogged out by that point,” he shared. “It’s all fuzzy. I’ve reached out to Chris and the message that came back is that he’s not ready to talk and when he is, he will reach out. So I will say to you, Chris, I apologize to you. My behavior was unacceptable and I’m here whenever you’re ready to talk.”

Chris Rock hasn’t responded to the Oscar-winning actor’s apology, although he did make light of the slap when the footage surfaced. Rock cracked a joke at a performance in Atlanta last month, saying, “Anyone who believes words hurt has never been struck in the face.

What are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comments section.

Chris Rock Says He’ll Address Will Smith’s Oscars Slap

Chris Rock isn’t eager to discuss the Will Smith slap incident at the 2022 Oscars. Smith stepped casually onto the Academy Prize stage as Rock was about to deliver the Best Documentary award, slapping Rock with an open palm after Rock made a joke about Smith’s wife, Jada Pinkett Smith’s, bald head.

Since then, the Academy’s Board of Governors has barred Smith from attending the event for the next ten years. He will preserve his Best Actor Oscar for his part in King Richard, and he can still be nominated in the next ten years. Smith has also expressed regret and says he accepts the punishment. 

He also indicated that he will be resigning from the Academy ahead of the decision. Rock, on the other hand, has stated that he will remain silent until the money is received.

Chris Rock Says He Won’t Speak About Will Smith’s Slap Until He’s “Paid.”

According to TMZ, on Friday, April 9, Rock told a live audience that he would not discuss the Oscars unless he was paid financially. It’s safe to presume he’s referring to a paid interview or perhaps a paid comedy special. According to TMZ, the information came from a piece in the Palm Springs Desert Sun, which covered Rock’s set in Indio, California, as well as his ongoing national comedy tour amid the scandal.

According to reports, Rock stated “I’m OK, I have a whole show, and I’m not talking about that until I get paid. Life is good. I got my hearing back.” 

Will Smith Apologized

Smith apologized during his award speech, but he exempted Rock. “I wanna apologize to the Academy, I wanna apologize to all my fellow nominees,” he said. “This is a beautiful moment. And I’m not crying for winning an award—it’s not about winning an award for me.”

He then issued an official apology, stating that Rock’s joke was a “trigger” because his wife suffers from a medical ailment that causes her to lose her hair. Smith admits to being a work in progress and expresses regret for his acts. “There is no place for violence in a world of love and kindness,” he added. Rock reportedly declined to press criminal charges against Smith. 

What are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comments section.