Celebrity
One year after SlapGate, people are still talking about Smith’s onstage slap including Chris Rock.
For those who need a refresher: After Rock made a G.I.
Jane joke about Pinkett Smith, Smith rushed the stage to hit the comedian.
The Academy asked Smith to leave the ceremony, but he reportedly refused to leave.
He later gave his acceptance speechfor Best Actorfor his role inKing Richard.
TheEmancipationactorapologized for his actionsmonths later in July in an emotional plea, noting how he felt deeply remorseful.
Ive reached out to Chris and the message that came back is that hes not ready to talk.
When he is, he will reach out, Smith said in a video posted to his YouTube account.
I will say to you, Chris, I apologize to you.
My behavior was unacceptable and I am here whenever you are ready to talk.
Smith also apologized to Rocks mother and brother Tony.
No part of me that thinks that is the optimal way to handle a feeling of disrespect or insult.
Even a year after the incident, people are still talking about it including Rock.
Im still kind of processing what happened.
So, at some point Ill talk about that sh*t. And it will be serious and funny.
And indeed, he did.
In his live-streamedNetflix specialChris Rock: Selective Outrageon March 4, the comedian ended his set speaking about Slapgate.
You all know what happened to me, getting smacked by Suge Smith.
Everybody f*cking knows, Rock said.
I got smacked like a year ago… and people are like, Did it hurt?
I got Summertime ringing in my ears.
The comedian also commented on whether the blow to his face hurt.
Will Smith is significantly bigger than me.
We are not the same size.
Will Smith does movies with his shirt off.
Youve never seen me do a movie with my shirt off.
Will Smith played Muhammad Ali in a movie.
You think I auditioned for that part?
I played Pookie inNew Jack City.
I played a piece of corn inPootie Tang.
Despite getting slapped on national TV, Rock doesnt consider himself a victim.
Im not a victim baby.
You will never see me on Oprah or Gayle [King] crying, Rock said.
You will never see it… Its never going to happen.
Fck that sht, I took that sh*t like [Manny] Pacquiao.
Oscars host Jimmy Kimmeljoked that hes thought about what to do in case theres another slap.
Hes ready to throw hands, unlessDwayne Johnsonis involved.
And if its the Rock, I run.
