Chris Rock Says ‘You Never Know’ About Hosting the Oscars Again, Three Years After Will Smith Slap: ‘The Most Miserable People on Earth Can’t Forgive’

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At this year’s Vanity Fair Oscars Party, Chris Rock was questioned by E! News regarding a potential repeat performance as the Oscars host, three years following the infamous on-stage altercation with Will Smith. Despite the past incident, Rock remains open to the possibility of returning. Known for his stints as the Oscars host in 2005 and 2016, Chris Rock presented the best documentary category at this year’s ceremony and made a light-hearted remark about Jada Pinkett Smith’s bald head, which sparked Will Smith’s slap.

Rock expressed uncertainty about hosting the Oscars again, stating, ‘The most unhappy individuals on this planet are those who cannot forgive – not only others, but themselves too. Therefore, one never knows.’

“I live in forgiveness,” Rock added to E! News. “True love starts at forgiveness.” 

During the 2022 Oscar ceremony while presenting the award for best documentary, Rock jokingly commented about Jada Pinkett Smith reprising her role from “G.I. Jane” due to her bald head. It’s well-known that Pinkett Smith has alopecia. In response, Smith stormed the stage and struck Rock in the face. Upon returning to his seat, he angrily yelled at Rock, saying, “Leave my wife’s name out of your vile mouth!

Later on, Smith expressed his regret about the incident, stating: “Violence, whether in any form, is toxic and detrimental. My conduct at last night’s Oscars was inappropriate and indefensible. Making fun of someone else’s expense is an inherent part of this profession, but making a joke about someone’s medical condition crossed a line for me, causing an emotional response. I want to take this opportunity to publicly apologize to you, Chris. I overstepped the mark and I was wrong. I feel ashamed and my actions do not reflect the person I aspire to be. There is no room for violence in a world that should be filled with love and compassion.

In addition, I want to express my apologies to the Academy, the show’s producers, everyone present, and viewers worldwide. I also apologize to the Williams family and my King Richard Family. I sincerely regret that my actions have tarnished an otherwise wonderful experience for all of us. I am constantly evolving and learning.

For months after the 2022 Oscars, Rock didn’t speak publicly about the slap incident. In March 2023, he finally broke his silence during a Netflix special, admitting: “You all are aware of what transpired with me – Suge Smith giving me a smack last year. Everyone knows, everyone knows it. I got smacked a year ago… and people ask, ‘Did it hurt?’ Yeah, it still hurts. I can still hear ‘Summertime’ in my ears.”

Rock kept quiet about the Oscars slap for months following the 2022 Academy Awards. He waited until March 2023 to speak up during a Netflix special, confessing: “You all know what happened to me – Suge Smith smacking me last year. Everyone knows it. Everyone knows it. I was smacked a year ago… and people ask, ‘Did it hurt?’ Yes, it still hurts. The tune of ‘Summertime’ is still ringing in my ears.

He playfully stated in his performance that you’ll never catch him weeping on Oprah or Gayle [King]. He emphasized that such a scene will never unfold… It’s out of the question. He handled it like Manny Pacquiao, he took the hardship.

The Academy imposed a 10-year ban on Smith, preventing him from participating in any function connected with the organization, such as the Oscars, following his slap. Additionally, Smith chose to step down from the Academy.

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2025-03-03 20:19