One of the most shocking events that rocked the entertainment industry and kept everyone talking for weeks was the “slapping” that occurred at the 2022 Oscars Awards. It’s been three years since the infamous slap between Will Smith and Chris Rock at the 94th Academy Awards. But, this alteration continues to affect their relationship negatively. Now that Chris Rock is embroiled in his own challenges, sources claim that Will Smith is pleased with it.
Nearly three years later, reports reveal that the Men in Black star still harbors strong feelings of resentment toward the comedian. During the event, the comedian was on the stage to present Best Documentary Feature, and he compared Jada Pinkett Smith‘s shaved head to G.I Jane, making a joke about her alopecia. Jada rolled her eyes at the joke, clearly not amused. However, Will walked up to the stage and slapped Chris.
Chris Rock slammed Will Smith’s public apology
The slap became one of the most controversial moments in entertainment history. It overshadowed Smith’s win for Best Actor for his performance in King Richard. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences imposed a decade-long ban on Smith from attending Academy events. Several of his projects were delayed, and his reputation suffered as the public and media harshly scrutinized his actions. The actor became a meme and an object of ridicule for his actions, with only a few people standing by him. However, it might have been good for his marriage, as Jada Pinkett revealed in an interview that the ‘holy slap’ brought so many positive things to their marriage.
Despite issuing a public apology to Rock and the Academy, sources close to Smith indicate that he still blames Rock for the fallout. A recent report quotes a source stating, “He will never forgive Chris for ruining his life, even though he’s managed to pick up the pieces in the last year or so.” Rock, on the other hand, has addressed the incident through his stand-up routines and interviews but reportedly refuses to accept Smith’s apology. When Will Smith made a public video apology in July 2022, Chris dismissed it, stating, “F–k your hostage video.” The comedian has also been vocal about his struggle to move past the incident, with reports suggesting he suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) due to the public nature of the altercation.
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Will Smith believes Chris Rock is not the victim
Both Smith and Rock continue to navigate the aftermath of the event in their own ways. Smith is reportedly finding satisfaction in seeing Rock face his own challenges, including a recent controversy during a performance, where he walked out during his set at the executive chairman of Pratt Industries, Anthony Pratt’s winter holiday party. Apparently, something or someone in the audience upset him. Will Smith still believes that Rock is “not the victim,’ and sources suggest that Smith views Rock’s refusal to reconcile as a form of karma catching up with him.
Observers within the entertainment industry suggest that the lingering feud is rooted in pride and ego. A source stated, “Others feel the best thing would be for these two egomaniacs to come together and hug it out, but they’re too proud.” As time passes, it remains uncertain whether Smith and Rock will ever find common ground to resolve their differences.