Just a few hours after Will Smith had posted an apology video to Chris Rock for slapping him at the 2022 Oscars award ceremony, Rock has responded by referring to the incident during his stand-up performance in Atlanta, Georgia, on Friday night (July 29th).
Chris Rock was performing his comedy routine at the Fox Theatre in Atlanta during his Chris Rock Ego Death World Tour, where he addressed the highly publicised incident during the performance, going into great detail. Rock likened Will Smith to the former CEO of Death Row Records, Suge Knight.
Rock is reported to have said, “Everybody is trying to be a fucking victim. If everybody claims to be a victim, then nobody will hear the real victims. Even me getting smacked by Suge Smith.”
Rock revealed that despite the shocking instance of violence, he had to continue his work as though nothing had happened. Rock said, “I went to work the next day; I got kids”, before adding, “Anyone who says words hurt has never been punched in the face.”
Will Smith had shared an apology video nearly six minutes in length on the same night of Rock’s performance in Atlanta. He appeared remorseful for his violent actions on the night of the Oscars ceremony.
Smith apologised to Rock himself, as well as Rock’s brother, Tony, and their mother, Rose. Tony and Rose had both expressed their sadness with Smith’s actions that night. Rose told a US news channel, “When he slapped Chris, he slapped all of us, but he really slapped me.”
In the video, Smith offered further apologies to his own family, admitting that his behaviour had been unacceptable and that violence in all forms should be condemned. The film academy has issued Smith a ten-year ban from attending any ceremonies, including the Oscars.
