Comedian Chris Rock recently reflected on his experience being slapped by Will Smith at the 2022 Oscars in his live Netflix special. Rock believes that Smith’s anger towards him was a result of his relationship challenges with his wife Jada Pinkett Smith.
Selective Outrage
During his routine, Rock explained that he had been rooting for Will Smith throughout his career and didn’t understand why he became the target of Smith’s anger. He accused Smith of practicing selective outrage and claimed that the incident had more to do with Smith’s personal issues.
Entanglements
Rock referred to a 2020 episode of Jada Pinkett Smith’s Facebook series, Red Table Talk, in which she and Will openly discussed her past romantic involvement with singer August Alsina. Although Will has previously clarified that there was no infidelity involved, Rock theorized that there was still negativity lingering from the situation.
Confusing Fallout
Despite reaching out to Smith with support after the revelation, Rock was confused by the slap and the subsequent fallout. He noted that others had less compassionate reactions, which made the situation more challenging to understand.
Apologies and Reconciliation
Although Will and Jada have not responded to Rock’s routine, Jada addressed the slap on a June 2022 episode of Red Table Talk. She expressed her hope that Will and Chris would be able to reconcile and heal, and Will publicly apologized for his behavior.
Moving Forward
Words may hurt, but actions can leave lasting scars. As we move forward, let’s remember to practice compassion and empathy, especially when dealing with personal issues. It’s essential to take the time to understand where others are coming from before reacting with anger or aggression.
