Chris Rock Says Getting Slapped by Will Smith at 2022 Oscars Is ‘Not That Important’ Four Years Later

In a recent interview, Chris Rock reflected briefly on the infamous incident at the 2022 Academy Awards, where fellow actor Will Smith slapped him during the ceremony. Rock, now 61, spoke to Variety while promoting his latest directorial project, “Misty Green”, which is set for release in theatres on October 9.

Rock was cautious when discussing the incident that has dominated headlines for years. He expressed his wish that the events of that night had never occurred. “I wish nothing would have happened,” he stated succinctly. He was keen to shift focus away from the past and towards his new film. “I don’t want to say anything that takes any attention away from Rosalind and how good she is in this movie,” he added, highlighting the talents of his co-star Rosalind Eleazar.

The slap occurred after Rock made a joke about Jada Pinkett Smith, Will Smith’s wife, during the Oscars ceremony in March 2022. Prior to this incident, Will Smith had won his first Academy Award for his role in “King Richard.” Following the altercation, Smith issued a public apology for his actions and was handed a ten-year ban from attending the Oscars.

In his latest stand-up performances, Rock has made mention of the slap; however, during his interview, he seemed disinterested in rehashing the details. “I never even thought about” one specific plot point in “Misty Green” that relates to a character striking a colleague, he remarked, signalling his desire to move on.

Instead, Rock chose to express gratitude for his career trajectory. He recounted an early experience at a comedy club that significantly changed his life. “A long time ago, I went to a comedy club on a freaking whim,” he reminisced. The chance encounter led to a lifelong career in entertainment that he acknowledges has had profound effects on both his life and his family’s wellbeing. “Showbiz has been very, very good to me,” Rock stated.

Rock also discussed personal adversity, mentioning that he has faced challenges relating to illness within his family. “My dad got sick when I was poor, and my mother got sick when I had some money,” he explained, underscoring the complexities of life regardless of financial success. He concluded with a sense of acceptance about where he stands, saying, “So I’m good. I’m really good.”

The comedian, who previously hosted the Oscars in 2005 and 2016, was asked whether he might consider taking on the role again. He responded tactfully, noting that great hosts currently fill that space, specifically alluding to Conan O’Brien, who is hosting this year. “I’m not going to say never, but my time might have passed, honestly,” Rock shared, showing respect for current talent.

“Misty Green” marks Rock’s first directorial project since the praised film “Top Five” in 2014, and it sees him working with an impressive cast, including Anna Kendrick, Daniel Kaluuya, Adam Driver, and Topher Grace. He hopes to make an impact with this film, which follows Eleazar’s character as she navigates challenges to safeguard her career and support her brother.

Though the Oscars often dominate the conversation around Hollywood achievements, Rock wasn’t shy about managing expectations for his own recognition at upcoming award shows. “I’m not getting nominated. The only way I’ll go back is if I’m nominated, and I’m not getting nominated,” he stated matter-of-factly. “Like, let’s manage expectations.”

With “Misty Green” having premiered at prestigious festivals including Toronto and New York, anticipation is building for its theatrical release. As Rock moves forward with his career, he continues to focus on the present and the future, leaving behind a chapter of his life that has been much scrutinised and discussed.