will smith, chris rock, oscars slap,

The infamous slap incident at the 2022 Oscars continues to cast a long shadow over Will Smith and Chris Rock. Reports indicate that Will Smith still harbours resentment towards Rock, particularly due to what sources describe as Rock’s “smug attitude” following the altercation.

Will Smith still hates Chris Rock after Oscars slap

According to InTouch Weekly, insiders close to Will Smith reveal that he “still hates” Chris Rock, especially in light of the latter’s ongoing personal struggles. One source shared, “Chris Rock is drowning in drama and alienating people left and right, while Will is relishing every moment of his misery. Will’s getting the last laugh and loving it.” The source also noted, “Despite managing to pick up the pieces over the last year, Will will never forgive Chris for ruining his life, and his disdain for Rock’s attitude remains.”

The feud originated during the 94th Academy Awards when Chris Rock made a joke about Jada Pinkett Smith’s shaved head, referencing the film G.I. Jane. In defence of his wife, Will Smith stormed the stage and slapped Rock, igniting a fierce debate about the boundaries of comedy and personal conduct. Many sided with Rock, viewing Smith’s reaction as an overreaction.

Though Smith won the Academy Award for his performance in King Richard that night, he faced a 10-year ban from the Oscars and resigned from the Academy. He issued an apology to the Academy during his acceptance speech but did not extend one to Rock. Meanwhile, Chris Rock has remained vocal about the incident, frequently referencing it during his live performances.

Jada Pinkett Smith’s reflection

In a recent interview with CBS Mornings, Jada Pinkett Smith reflected on the incident, stating, “That’s a really deep subject. You have to be really careful about the ‘why’.” She emphasized, “That’s Will’s story to tell, not mine. What I can say is that while I may not have walked in there as his wife, I certainly left that night as his wife. I will always stand by his side.”

Will’s recent projects

Will Smith was last seen in the 2024 action-comedy film Bad Boys: Ride or Die, directed by Adil & Bilall. This film marks the fourth instalment of the Bad Boys series and serves as a sequel to Bad Boys for Life (2020). The film features a star-studded cast, including Martin Lawrence, Joe Pantoliano, Vanessa Hudgens, Alexander Ludwig, Paola Núñez, Jacob Scipio, John Salley, and DJ Khaled in key roles.

Also Read: Bad Boys: Ride or Die REVIEW: Will Smith and Martin Lawrence’s bromance has magic but lacks in the action department