In his return to the same Los Angeles theater where his historic Oscar smackdown occurred, comedian Chris Rock remarked about how painful it was, referencing Will Smith’s film performance as heavyweight boxing champion Muhammad Ali.
After beginning with jokes about Dave Chappelle and the Capitol brawl on January 6, the writer of “Everybody Hates Chris” addressed the Dolby Theatre audience about the foul slap.
“People were like, ‘Did it hurt?’ “You’re absolutely correct, that did hurt,” Rock remarked. “Will Smith is considerably larger than I am. Okay, I am not the same size. This s—thead portrayed Ali! I took on the role of Pookie from “New Jack City!”
During his almost two-hour show, the legendary comic did not linger excessively on Smith’s slap, but he did explain why he opted not to fight back after being struck by Smith.
Smith smacked Rock as he was on stage to present the award for Best Documentary Feature.
Rock was performing on stage when he made a “GI Jane” joke, prompting Smith to charge the platform and hit him.
As a result of the smack, Smith was banned for 10 years by the Academy.
People ask, “Why the f–k didn’t you do something in return?” Because I got parents,” Rock stated. Because of my upbringing, you know? What have my parents taught me? Do not engage in conflict in front of whites! “I am not a victim!
Rock was keen to demonstrate that he had altered the vibe in the room by asserting that he had never played the victim on stage or in his personal life.
After Rock made a joke about Smith’s wife, Jada Pinkett Smith, during the 94th Academy Awards in March, Smith attacked Rock.
Rock’s concert last night was his first return to the Dolby Theatre since the smack.
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Chris Rock’s performance at the Dolby Theatre lasted over two hours.
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“Jada, I love you.
“I can’t wait to watch ‘G.I. Jane 2,’” Rock stated, referring to the 1997 film “G.I. Jane” in which Demi Moore’s character had a buzz cut.
Jada, 51, who suffers from alopecia areata, a disorder in which the immune system attacks hair follicles, did not like being the punchline of Rock’s joke.
Will Smith approached the stage, slapped Chris Rock, and then returned to his seat, where he shouted at the host, “Keep my wife’s name out of your f—ing lips!”
Will Smith and Jada Smith at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party after Will’s slap on Rock and Oscar win.
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The same evening, Smith won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his portrayal in “King Richard.” The Academy “slapped” Smith with a 10-year suspension, although he was allowed to keep his Oscar.
In July, Smith posted an apology video to his YouTube account for his “unacceptable” attack on Rock.
“I’m human, I made a mistake, and I’m trying not to consider myself a piece of garbage.”