Chris Rock returns to the scene of Will Smith’s slap in the face at the Dolby Theater
Comedian Chris Rock joked about how painful his infamous Oscar smash was on returning to the same Los Angeles theater where it took place – and reminded the crowd of Will Smith’s big screen role as heavyweight boxing champ Muhammad Ali.
After opening with some jokes about Dave Chappelle and the January 6 Capitol riot, the creator of Everyone Hates Chris addressed Dolby Theater audiences about the egregious slap in the face.
“People said, ‘Did it hurt?’ You’re damn right it hurt,” Rock exclaimed. “Will Smith is significantly taller than me. I’m not the same size, okay? This mother f—- played Ali! I played Pookie from ‘New Jack City!’
The legendary comedian didn’t elaborate too much on the slap during his roughly two-hour set, but revealed why he chose not to fight back after being slapped by Smith.
Rock was on stage to present the Best Documentary Award when Smith beat him.
Rock was on stage making a “GI Jane” joke which resulted in Smith storming onto the stage and punching him.
As a result of the slap, Smith was banned from the Academy for 10 years.
“People say, ‘Why the hell didn’t you do anything?’ Because I have parents,” Rock said. “Because I grew up, you know? Do you know what my parents taught me? Don’t fight in front of white people! No, I’m not a victim!”
Rock seemed determined to show he had shifted the energy in the room, claiming he wasn’t the victim then and he would never play one on stage or in his own life.
In March, Smith attacked Rock during the 94th Academy Awards after the comedian made a joke about Smith’s wife, Jada Pinkett Smith.
Last night’s performance was Rock’s first appearance at the Dolby Theater since the slap.
Chris Rock’s set lasted almost 2 hours at the Dolby Theater.
“Jada, I love you. ‘GI Jane 2’ can’t wait to see him,” Rock said, referring to the 1997 film GI Jane, in which Demi Moore’s character has a buzz cut.
Jada, 51, who suffers from alopecia areata, a condition that causes the immune system to attack hair follicles, leading to hair loss, wasn’t a fan of being the butt of Rock’s joke.
Will Smith came on stage, slapped Rock and walked back to his seat, where he yelled at the host to “keep my wife’s name out of your friggin’ mouth.”
Smith would win the Academy Award for Best Actor that same night for his performance in King Richard. Smith was “slapped” by the academy with a 10-year suspension but was able to keep his Oscar win.
In July, Smith posted a video on his YouTube channel apologizing for his “unacceptable” attack on Rock.
“I’m human and I made a mistake and I’m trying not to think of myself as a piece of shit.”
https://nypost.com/2022/11/18/chris-rock-returns-to-site-of-will-smith-slap-at-dolby-theatre/ Chris Rock returns to the scene of Will Smith’s slap in the face at the Dolby Theater
