Though it’s been a year, we continue to dissect the infamous Oscars moment involving Chris Rock and Will Smith, thanks to Netflix. The actor and comedian’s relationship goes back decades but that one moment on stage led to Chris Rock’s assault. People have varying opinions. Some claimed to be traumatized by witnessing the moment on stage. Others felt Will Smith wasn’t wrong for his actions. Overall, the discourse has remained the same yet people continue to be fixated on the moment.
Chris Rock addressed the moment during his live special, Selective Outrage – a title partially inspired by Will Smith’s own actions. “Will Smith practices ‘Selective Outrage,'” Rock explained. “Everybody who really knows, knows I had nothing to do with that shit. I didn’t have any ‘entanglements.'” Elsewhere, he said, “His wife was fucking her son’s friend.” Rock took the gloves off this time. The results were largely a success as Netflix experimented with its first live stand-up special since its inception.
Netflix Edits Chris Rock Joke
At one point in the show, Rock dives into his bit about Will Smith, detailing Jada’s previous attempts urging the comedian to step down from his Oscars role. “Years ago, his wife said I should quit the Oscars. I shouldn't host 'cause her man didn't get nominated for Emancipation,” he said. “The biggest piece of sh*t ever. Okay, so the n***a gives me a f**kin' concussion. No, not Emancipation, I f*cked up the joke. Concussion."
The edit didn’t go unnoticed. Vulture’s Jesse David Fox pointed out the edit, stating that it “makes one wonder if there have been other tweaks.” It’s interesting that Netflix pulled that bit, especially since the excitement surrounding the special was that it was completely live in the first place. Netflix has yet to issue a response to the apparent flub in Rock’s set but for all we know, the comedian may have asked them to remove that bit for a streaming-friendly version.
Will Smith’s Response To "Selective Outrage"
Will Smith openly stated that he hasn’t been able to get in contact with Chris Rock to apologize for the incident. While sources said that Chris Rock “said everything he wanted to say,” Smith is reportedly “hurt and embarrassed by what Chris said about him and his family in his Netflix special.” The source also said Smith is not pleased with Netflix’s involvement. “Will is also upset that Netflix was a part of this and thinks Chris insulting Jada again is below the belt," the source added. "He is upset that Netflix gave Chris this platform to share these messages and thinks it’s distasteful."