Chris Rock is no stranger to the limelight, but one moment in 2022 overshadowed the glitz and glamour at Hollywood’s biggest night. The iconic comic throws shade at the infamous Oscars slap and clarifies where he stands on returning to host the auspicious ceremony.
In an exclusive sit down with E! News, Rock discussed the stunning moment when Will Smith ran onto the stage and smacked him across the face after a joke about Smith’s then-spouse, Jada Pinkett Smith. Will Smith’s comparison to “G.I. Jane,” referring to her shaved head due to alopecia, shocked the entertainment world. The moment went viral in seconds, launching endless debate, memes, and a 10-year Oscars ban for Smith.
But time can turn things on their head, and Rock is proving to the world that he’s moving on gracefully. True to his trademark candidness, the “Grown Ups” star didn’t focus on the past and offered a different perspective on forgiveness for others and yourself.
“This is what I tell; the most miserable people in the world are people who can’t forgive,” Rock continued. “Forgiveness, and not only towards people, sometimes you must forgive yourself.
It’s a viewpoint that reflects strongly on his fortitude. If, as many still believe, the slap was one of the most shocking moments in Oscars history, Rock, at least as far as his new material indicates, has turned the page, opting instead for forgiveness and evolution. “I live in forgiveness. “True love starts at forgiveness,” he added, clarifying that he does not harbor cynicism.
And how about a trip back to the Oscars stage? Although Rock didn’t say for sure, his noncommittal answer left the door ajar for a potential return. With his wit and charm, he would make for an entertaining show in a host role.
Rock also praised this year’s Oscars host, Conan O’Brien, for his debut performance. “That was the best, amazing, incredible, Rock said excitedly. “They should allow him to host every year.”
It marks Rock’s professionalism in celebrating others even when the conversation inevitably evolves back to that fateful night. Whether he returns to the spotlight of the Academy Awards or not, there’s no denying that Chris Rock has figured out how to move on and move through life with humor, wisdom, and the perspective of a seasoned comic.
Hollywood loves a comeback and should Rock choose to take center stage at the Oscars again; he’ll do so on his conditions bolstered by forgiveness and, likely, some killer one-liners.
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