Chris Rock Jokes About Will Smith Slap

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94th Annual Academy Awards - Backstage
HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 27: In this handout photo provided by A.M.P.A.S., Chris Rock is seen backstage during the 94th Annual Academy Awards at Dolby Theatre on March 27, 2022 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Al Seib /A.M.P.A.S. via Getty Images)
In his return to the Dolby Theatre, Chris explained why he didn't retaliate.

The slap that shook pop culture involving Chris Rock and Will Smith returns. We may never know what influenced Smith before he strutted across the Oscars stage and smacked Rock, but both men are moving forward. As Smith heavily promotes his new film Emancipation, Page Six reports Rock was back at the Dolby Theatre for a comedy show.

The location was where his infamous Academy Awards moment took place, and during his routine, Rock aimed at Smith. He reportedly quipped about Dave Chappelle and cracked jokes about the January 6 insurrection at the Capitol. Then, he delivered the material that audiences have waited for.

94th Annual Academy Awards - Show
(Photo by Neilson Barnard/Getty Images)
Read More: Lupita Nyong’o Expected To Become A Meme After Will Smith & Chris Rock’s Oscars Slap

“People were like, ‘Did it hurt?’ You’re goddamn right it hurt,” Rock stated. “Will Smith is significantly bigger than me. I am not the same size, Ok? This motherf*cker played Ali! I played Pookie from New Jack City!"

Throughout the year, the public has debated the slap. Some questioned why Rock didn't match Smith's violent energy. Others applauded him for keeping his cool under pressure.

“People say, ‘Why the f*ck did you do nothing back?’ Because I got parents,” Rock said. “Because I was raised, you know? You know what my parents taught me? Don’t fight in front of white people! No, I’m not a victim!”

Read More: Kevin Hart Thinks Will Smith Deserves A Shot At Redemption After Slapping Chris Rock

It is speculated that Rock's joke about Jada Pinkett Smith's bald head was what set the slap into motion. Cameras captured the look on Jada's face following the mention, but the public wasn't shown what occurred just before Smith yelled at Rock from the audience. Jada endured ridicule, trolling, and teasing, but the Smith family has kept their lips sealed about the true crux of the issue.

Meanwhile, Chris is reportedly slated to perform on Netflix's first-ever live show. He may dig a little deeper during that comedy special.

[via]

About The Author
Since 2019, Erika Marie has worked as a journalist for HotNewHipHop, covering music, film, television, art, fashion, politics, and all things regarding entertainment. With 20 years in the industry under her belt, Erika Marie moved from a writer on the graveyard shift at HNHH to becoming a Features Editor, highlighting long-form content and interviews with some of Hip Hop’s biggest stars. She has had the pleasure of sitting down with artists and personalities like DJ Jazzy Jeff, Salt ’N Pepa, Nick Cannon, Rah Digga, Rakim, Rapsody, Ari Lennox, Jacquees, Roxanne Shante, Yo-Yo, Sean Paul, Raven Symoné, Queen Naija, Ryan Destiny, DreamDoll, DaniLeigh, Sean Kingston, Reginae Carter, Jason Lee, Kamaiyah, Rome Flynn, Zonnique, Fantasia, and Just Blaze—just to name a few. In addition to one-on-one chats with influential public figures, Erika Marie also covers content connected to the culture. She’s attended and covered the BET Awards as well as private listening parties, the Rolling Loud festival, and other events that emphasize established and rising talents. Detroit-born and Long Beach (CA)-raised, Erika Marie has eclectic music taste that often helps direct the interests she focuses on here at HNHH. She finds it necessary to report on cultural conversations with respect and honor those on the mic and the hardworking teams that help get them there. Moreover, as an advocate for women, Erika Marie pays particular attention to the impact of femcees. She sits down with rising rappers for HNHH—like Big Jade, Kali, Rubi Rose, Armani Caesar, Amy Luciani, and Omerettà—to gain their perspectives on a fast-paced industry.