Almost a year after 'Slapgate', Chris Rock has finally faced the slap received by Will Smith during the 2022 Oscars awards. He did so in a live show that aired on Netflix Saturday night, 'Chris Rock: Selective Outrage'.
"I'm going to try to do a show tonight without offending anyone," Rock said at the opening show in Baltimore. "I'll do my best, because you never know what might be triggered." He continued: "People always say words hurt... Anyone who says words hurt has never been punched in the face."
While Smith has repeatedly apologized for the incident last March, Rock has always avoided the usual platforms where American celebrities go to tell their stories.
Netflix via AP
Poster of the Netflix TV series "Chris Rock: Selective Outrage"
After a quick reference to the story, the show continues addressing a wide range of issues, and then focuses the last ten minutes on the 2022 Academy Awards incident.
"You all know what happened to me," Rock said. "It still hurts. I have 'Summertime' still ringing in my ears. But I'm not a victim... I took that shot like Pacquiao (the former boxing champion)."
Ap Photo
Chris Rock
And then again: "I love Will Smith" underlines Rock. "I've been rooting for him all my life... now I watch 'Emancipation' just to see it scream." 'Emancipation' is Smith's latest film where he plays "Peter the Flogged", a runaway slave with his back marked by a web of scars.
Finally, Rock concluded the live special by explaining why he chose not to react.
"I have parents!" He said. "And do you know what my parents taught me? Don't fight in front of white people."