Did Chris Rock ever sue Will Smith?
Will Smith is set to perform a new song at the 2024 BET Awards. The years-long ban on him from attending the Oscars apparently won’t apply to other events.
But, more than two years after the infamous and polarizing “slap” incident … what closure was there?
American society is known for being litigious. Did Chris Rock take Will Smith to court for slapping him, which was talked about all over the world?
The infamous Oscar slap between Will Smith and Chris Rock is revisited
In March 2022, Chris Rock stood on the Oscars stage.
Hosting the Oscars is not a great deal. Some people do a better job than others, but it is a crappy job that can upset (powerful) people and harm a comedian’s image with the audience.
Hosting the Oscars isn’t usually a contact sport. Chris Rock isn’t the first person to cross the line by mocking a famous guest, but no one has forgotten the clapback.
As for what happened, Chris joked about Jada’s hair. She has alopecia, and he chose to joke about her shaved head.
Many people on social media have pointed out that Chris Rock’s obsession with Jada goes back decades. Frankly, it’s weird.
However, Will Smith’s reaction was neither a stern look nor a social media condemnation. He took a few long steps across the stage and slapped Chris Rock in the face. Returning to his seat, he advised the host not to take Jada’s name out of his mouth.
How did Chris Rock respond?
Infamously, the slap was highly polarising on social media.
Some people were hysterical, acting as if Will Smith was a monster – some even compared it to domestic violence. (Chris Rock is not Smith’s child, partner or other family member… in case anyone was wondering)
Meanwhile, the other group acted like it was no big deal. Of course, it isn’t. Generally speaking, hitting someone in the face is considered assault. No matter what the possible provocation, it is never assault. Nothing,
On stage, Chris Rock himself largely kept his composure – he appeared to be out in shock at first.
Will Smith apologized. First, to everyone (during his Oscar acceptance speech). Then, the next day, he used social media to apologize directly to Chris.
He was banned from attending the Academy Awards ceremony for a decade. Still, some good came of it.
But did Chris Rock sue Will Smith?
But now on to the questions and answers: No, Chris Rock is not suing Will Smith after the 2022 Oscars.
This must have been a complicated decision.
Sure, it could have damaged their brand. Society as a whole, and fans in particular, can be weird about lawsuits – both justifiably and completely unjustifiably so.
Sure enough, Chris won out in the end. Netflix reportedly offered him $40 million for the standup special. (This is a reliable report; Netflix has financial options Attractive) during Selective outrageIn the show, which aired a year after the Oscars incident, he repeatedly mentioned Will Smith.
“People say, ‘Did it hurt?’ It still hurts. I [Will’s song] ‘Summertime’ is ringing in my ears,” Chris joked. “But I’m not a victim, baby, you’ll never see me crying on Oprah or Gayle. … I took that blow like Pacquiao.”
He added: “A lot of people say, ‘Chris, why didn’t you do anything? Why didn’t you do anything? Because I have my parents, that’s why. Because I grew up. I have my parents, and you know what my parents taught me? Don’t fight in front of white people.”
Will Smith to perform at the BET Awards
In addition to a new song performance by Will Smith on Sunday, June 30, a number of other talented entertainers will also take the stage for Culture’s Biggest Night.
It also features Ms. Lauryn Hill and YG Marley, Tyla, and of course the lovely Ice Spice as performers.
Gloriella, Latto, Muni Long, Sexy Red, Shaboozie, Victoria Monet and Tanner Adele will also perform. And Taraji P. Henson will host the event for the third time. That’s great for her!