The whole world was watching Chris Rock the day after the incident which had occurred with Will Smith. The comedian has never really spoken openly about the event since, and so, every statement of the latter about the infamous slap made headlines. We invite you today, in fact, to read his latest statement about this event.
Chris Rock had made it known that he would speak
At his very first show after the Oscars incidentChris Rock had stated that he had “not a lot of shit to talk about what happened”while promising to tell his feelings later, when all this would be digested.
During his very last show, once again sold out, the comedian thus took the floor to explain how he felt right now… While promising to say more, again, a bit later.
A quick speech
After weeks of silence, Chris Rock finally addressed his now-famous incident with Will Smith during the 94th annual Academy Awards last March. At another sold-out show at the Lyric Performing Arts Center in Baltimore last Friday, the comedian made a direct reference to the slap, but wanted to rush the subject. According to WJZ-TV reporter Annie Rose RamosChris Rock started his show by explaining:
Listen, I’m fine. I’m well. I’m healed of the cuts and bruises…for the most part.
The comedian then wanted to change the subject, while making it clear to the spectators that he would come back to it in detail, once again, later. “At the right time”, no doubt. Previously, Rose, Chris Rock’s motherhad also spoken on the subject, stating that when her son was slapped, it was like Will Smith “slapped us all”. “He really slapped me. No one even heard his speech. No one was able to live in the moment because everyone was sitting there wondering what had just happened”she added.
Chris Rock and his mother, Rose.
As for Will Smithhis apology included the following words:
The list of those I have hurt is long and includes Chris, his family, many of my dear friends and loved ones, all who were in attendance and the global audience at home. I betrayed the trust of the Academy. I deprived other nominees and winners of the opportunity to celebrate and be celebrated for their extraordinary work. My heart is broken. I want to re-emphasize those who deserve recognition for their accomplishments and allow the Academy to return to the incredible work it does to support creativity and artistry in film. I therefore resign from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and will accept any other consequences the Board of Directors deems appropriate. Change takes time and I am committed to doing the work necessary to ensure that I will never again let violence take over reason.
And if you want to know what a joke aborted shortly before the ceremony could have led to a second slap, you can refer to our previous article on the subject.
