The comedian Chris Rock indicated that Will Smith’s Oscar slap may have traumatised him as he revealed why he turned down the chance to host the programme the following year.
The 57-year-old brought up the slap once again during his stand-up comedy performance in Phoenix, Arizona, according to aceshowbiz.com.
The “Saturday Night Live” star claimed to have been invited to host the 2019 Academy Awards ceremony, but he declined, equating going back to the event to going back to a murder scene, according to The Arizona Republic, according to aceshowbiz.
Rock reportedly made a reference to OJ Simpson’s acquittal after being found not guilty of murdering his ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson during his murder trial.
It was stated throughout the trial that Nicole’s leaving a set of glasses at an Italian restaurant was the catalyst for her murder.
According to Rock, asking Nicole to return to the award presentation would be like telling her to “go back to the dinner.”
Following the event, he said he was approached about doing a Super Bowl commercial, but he “profanely” declined the offer as well.
Although Rock hasn’t publicly addressed the slap, he didn’t avoid the subject while on tour.
Someone in the sold-out crowd requested Rock to “speak about it” when he explained how someone may become famous for being a victim.
The “Grown Ups” actor said that the hit from Smith hurt in response to the question.
He said, “He’s larger than me.”
“A fight between Will Smith and I would not be approved by the state of Nevada.”
Rock made a joke about Jada Pinkett Smith’s shaved head during the March event, and Smith has since apologised for striking him.
The 53-year-old said in a video that he was “truly sorry” and that he had reached out to Chris but received the response that he wasn’t yet ready to chat and will get in touch later.
I shall thus apologise to you, Chris. I apologise for my behaviour, and I’m available anytime you want to discuss.
Smith expressed regret to Chris Rock’s mother as well as to the Rock family as a whole, adding, “I simply didn’t realise how many people were wounded in that moment, so I want to apologise to Chris’s mother. I must apologise.
In spite of Smith’s public apologies, Rock has not replied.