Chris Rock addressed “the slap” once more on tour, and this time he had some new information to share. On Sunday night, while performing his stand-up show in Phoenix, Arizona, the comedian claimed he had been asked to host the Oscars the following year. Will Smith stormed the stage during the awards show and smacked Rock across the face for making a joke about Jada Pinkett Smith’s hair.
According to the Arizona Republic, during the show, “Returning to the Oscars, Rock said, was like returning to the scene of a crime, referring to O.J. Simpson’s murder trial, which began with her leaving a pair of eyeglasses at an Italian restaurant. Returning to the award ceremony, Rock said, would be like asking Nicole Brown Simpson to ‘go back to the restaurant.'”
Rock, who has previously made light of the incident, said he declined the invitation. He also revealed that he was offered a Super Bowl commercial as a result of the incident, but “profanely” declined it as well, according to the paper. However, Rock did not refuse to discuss the slap. When a member of the sold-out audience encouraged him to speak about it, the comic admitted that the blow from Smith, who played boxer Muhammad Ali in Ali, hurt.
“He’s bigger than me,” Rock allegedly remarked. “A fight between me and Will Smith would not be sanctioned by the state of Nevada.”
Yahoo Entertainment contacted the Academy for comment on Rock’s claims, but did not receive an immediate response. However, the organisation almost never responds to hosting rumours (or offers).
Craig Erwich, ABC President of Entertainment, stated in May that he was open to Rock hosting the 2023 telecast. Previously, the comedian hosted in 2005 and 2016.
“My evaluation of the Oscars was that it was a very successful year for the show. Obviously, there was a lot of controversy, which overshadowed many of the positive aspects of the show, but I was very pleased with it “Erwich revealed this to Deadline. “Even before that unfortunate moment, the show was on the rise year after year, and we made a big comeback.”
Smith resigned from the Academy following the incident, and he was later barred from attending Academy-related events for ten years. The actor has slowly emerged from hiding after months of remaining out of the spotlight. Smith returned to social media a month ago and apologised to Rock.
“There is no part of me that believes that was the appropriate way to act at the time. There is no part of me that believes that is the best way to deal with feelings of disrespect or insult “Smith stated.
“I contacted Chris, and the response was that he is not yet ready to talk, but will do so when he is. So, Chris, please accept my sincere apologies. My behaviour was unacceptable, and I’m available to speak with you whenever you’re ready “Smith continued.
According to sources, Rock is unlikely to meet with the Oscar winner anytime soon.
MORE: Will Smith “is doing well” as he appears with Jada Pinkett Smith months after the Oscars snub
