Comedian Chris Rock has officially shut down any lingering speculation regarding his high-profile altercation with Will Smith at the 2022 Academy Awards. During a recent interview with The New York Times to discuss his film Misty Green, the veteran stand-up performer made it clear that he has completely moved past the incident and harbors no ongoing animosity toward the Oscar-winning actor. When asked if there was anything left to address regarding the event that captured global attention four years ago, Rock dismissed the topic entirely, noting that he is good and has no interest in revisiting the situation.
Chris Rock Moves Past Will Smith Oscars Slapping Incident
The tension between the two stars began at the 94th Academy Awards when Smith walked onstage and struck Rock following a joke made at the expense of his wife, Jada Pinkett Smith. The incident immediately overshadowed the ceremony, leading to widespread public discourse, formal investigations, and Smith subsequently resigning from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences before receiving a ten-year ban from all Academy events.
While Smith issued a public video apology months later claiming he had reached out to make amends, Rock refrained from addressing the matter extensively until his 2023 live Netflix comedy special, Selective Outrage. In that special, Rock maintained that he was not a victim and clarified his long-standing professional history with the couple. However, his latest comments indicate a definitive end to his public commentary on the matter.
“I’m good, that was so long ago. I wish everyone well, I’ve moved on with my life… I’m not gonna get into clickbait things. I don’t think I’m in beef.”
Rock emphasized during the interview that he refuses to engage in clickbait narratives or perpetuate claims of a continuing feud. He reiterated that the event occurred a long time ago, adding that he wishes everyone involved well and remains focused on his current creative endeavors. The comedian firmly concluded his thoughts on the subject by stating that he is finished discussing the altercation, signaling a permanent close to one of the most talked-about moments in modern entertainment history.
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