Chris Rock hints at Will Smith’s slap behind him opting out of 2023 Oscars

Comedian Chris Rock has hinted at how Will Smith’s Oscar slap has possibly left him traumatised as he explained why he refused an offer to host next year’s award ceremony.

During his stand-up comedy show in Phoenix, Arizona, the 57-year-old addressed the slap again
According to The Arizona Republic, the “Saturday Night Live” alum said he had been asked to host the upcoming Academy Awards ceremony, but he turned down the offer, comparing returning to the event to returning to a crime scene

Rock allegedly referenced the murder trial of OJ Simpson, who was accused of killing his former wife Nicole Brown Simpson but later acquitted.

During the trial, it was argued that her murder began by Nicole leaving a pair of glasses at an Italian restaurant. Rock said returning to the award ceremony would be like asking Nicole “to go back to the restaurant
He also said he received an offer to do a Super Bowl commercial following the incident, but he “profanely” refused as well.

While Rock has not formally addressed the slap, he didn’t shy away from the topic during his tour. When he mentioned how a person could get famous for being a victim, someone in the sold-out concert asked Rock to “talk about it”.

Responding to the inquiry, the “Grown Ups” star said the blow from Smith hurt.
He’s bigger than me,” he said.

“The state of Nevada would not sanction a fight between me and Will Smith.”

Smith has apologised again for slapping Rock at the March ceremony after the latter joked about Jada Pinkett Smith’s shaved head. Smith also apologised to Rock’s mother and entire family, saying: “I just didn’t realise how many people got hurt in that moment, so I want to apologise to Chris’s mother. I want to apologise.” Rock has not responded to Smith’s public apology.

Source: IOL

In other news – Jamie-Lee Domburg leaves Expresso Show after three years

Expresso Show presenter Jamie-Lee Domburg will be doing her last show on Wednesday morning, a teary-eyed Domburg. Taking to social media sharing platform Facebook to inform her millions of fans, Domburg wrote.

“After 3 years of laughs, learning, and crying with my beloved Expresso family, waking up at 4am with a smile on my face everyday because I absolutely love what I do. This morning will be my final show waking up with you South Africa. It is certainly not an easy decision to walk away when this truly is my passion,” referring to her final show on Wednesday morning. Learn more