Still processing the slap: Chris Rock declines hosting 2023 Oscars
Comedian Chris Rock turned down an invitation to host the 2023 Oscars after the infamous slap involving Will Smith at the 2022 show.
Media personality Chris Rock has reportedly declined an offer to host the 2023 Oscars after the Will Smith slap at the 2022 Oscars.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, the comedian revealed the news during his Sunday night show at the Arizona Financial Theatre in downtown Phoenix.
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‘RETURNING TO OSCARS IT’S LIKE RETURNING TO THE CRIME SCENE’
The publication adds that Chris Rock said the Academy asked him to return to host the 2023 Oscars for the fourth time after hosting the awards in 2005, 2016, and 2022, after getting slapped on stage by actor Will Smith.
Will Smith made headlines in 2022 when he slapped Rock on stage after Rock made fun of his wife, Jada Pinkett Smith.
This happened as the comedian was about to present the best documentary feature and before Smith accepted the best actor prize for his role in King Richard.
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CHRIS ROCK: ‘WILL SMITH IS BIGGER THAN ME’
Rock turned down the offer and allegedly said returning to the 2023 Oscars it’s like returning to the scene of a crime.
The star also referenced the murder trial of O.J. Simpson and added returning to the Oscars would be like asking Nicole Brown Simpson to “go back to the restaurant.”
Fans from his Arizona Republic show said the comedian also compared Smith to boxer Muhammed Ali.
“He’s bigger than me,” Rock said. “The state of Nevada would not sanction a fight between me and Will Smith.”
The King Richard Oscar winner has been banned from attending the Oscars ceremony for ten years. This means Will can win the Oscar but he won’t be able to collect it personally on stage. So, in theory, his wife Jada can attend on his behalf and collect the trophy if she, or he, wishes.
The Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences declined to comment on Rock’s remarks at the time of publishing this article.
