They say time heals all wounds. Well, time has definitely passed since we all experienced the slap heard (and felt) around the world. It’s been almost two months since Will Smith contributed to the most talked-about moment in the Oscars’ recent history. You know, the incident where the now Oscar-winning actor unexpectedly walked on stage and assaulted comedian Chris Rock in front of millions of viewers, which then trickled onto social media and went viral in seconds.
Although time has passed, it appears that Will Smith is still being dragged both in the media and by fans. Since the 2022 Oscars incident, Will Smith and Chris Rock are still the topics of conversation. From award shows to comedic bits, the incident is likely not going anywhere, anytime soon. And while the King Richard star offered a public apology, that still did not stop the public’s display of disapproval.
Comedians all around were undoubtedly affected by the incident. Many notable names in the comedy world openly touched on the subject on major platforms. While at the Grammy Awards, host and comedian Trevor Noah opened the ceremony by declaring that “people’s names” would be kept “out of our mouths.” This was in reference to the expletive-filled speech that Will Smith expressed to Chris Rock after the slap.
At the same ceremony, Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson, whose recent Oscar win was eclipsed by the incident, took the time during his presenting duties to give his take. The acclaimed musician stated that he entrusted that everyone kept a distance of “500 feet” as he presented the Song of the Year award.
Another award show that didn’t keep the now-infamous moment off-limits was the recent Billboard Awards, hosted and executive produced by Sean “Diddy” Combs. Amid his hosting duties, the Bad Boy founder issued a subtle warning for anyone in attendance who might have been “feeling a little free” or “froggy.”
Diddy declared to the MGM Grand audience, leading with “love” as his mantra has been lately, “If you decide to jump on this stage here tonight, I do suggest you have your affairs in order.” In other words, DON’T DO IT! But Diddy made sure to mention that he said it “with love.”
Comedian and late-night talk show host Jimmy Fallon joined the fun with an implied joke about the Will Smith and Chris Rock debacle. While at NBCUniversal’s upfront presentation at Radio City Music Hall recently, the Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon host briefly touched on it, mentioning Will Smith’s reboot of Bel-Air, reports Deadline. Fallon joked that the network “nailed” the timing of the television show’s debut. However, Bel-air premiered on NBCUniversal’s streaming platform, Peacock, a month before the Oscars.
Another comedian and late-night talk show host added to the narrative at the same ceremony. According to another report from Deadline, Seth Meyers stepped on stage and joked that along with the “reimagination” of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, audiences were also “treated this year to a gritty drama reimagining of Will Smith.”
Comedians all around have rallied around Chris Rock during this time. Amy Schumer and Wanda Sykes, who served as co-hosts of this year’s Oscars, had much to say about the ordeal. In a since-deleted Instagram post, Schumer referred to the incident as “disturbing,” according to Harpers Bazaar. The Life & Beth star then claimed that she was “Still triggered and traumatized” while declaring her love for Chris Rock.
Wanda Sykes also shared that he was “traumatized” in a recent interview with PEOPLE. It would also appear that Sykes maintains a severe dislike for Will Smith following the incident. The Chivalry star expressed that she’s still unable to speak about it because it makes her “emotional.” “I hope he gets his [stuff] together. Until then, f – him,” she stated.
Perhaps the moment that everyone has been waiting for was Chris Rock’s take. Currently on his sold-out Ego Death tour, the comedian promised that he would soon speak on the matter.
Well, it appears as though the moment is approaching. Recently, Chris Rock appeared alongside Dave Chappelle at the Netflix Is a Joke Festival, where Chappelle was unfortunately attacked on stage. Following the incident, Chris Rock made a joke asking if the attacker was Will Smith, according to a report by The Independent.
Also, during a recent at London’s Royal Albert Hall, the comedian assured the audience that he was “okay” and had acquired “most of his hearing back.” Rock may also address the incident on Netflix, according to The Telegraph.
