The fallout between Will Smith and Chris Rock continues to linger, even years after the infamous Oscars slap in 2022. While Smith has worked on rebuilding his career and personal life, sources close to the actor reveal that he still holds a grudge against Rock.
According to one insider, Smith “still hates” Rock, especially due to what he perceives as Rock’s “smug attitude” following the altercation. The source also suggests that Smith feels a sense of satisfaction seeing Rock face personal and professional struggles, viewing it as a form of “karma.”
The incident at the 94 year Academy Awards was sparked by a joke Rock made about Jada Pinkett Smith’s shaved head, which he compared to Demi Moore’s character in G.I. Jane. Feeling the need to defend his wife, Smith rushed onto the stage and slapped Rock, triggering debates about comedy, personal boundaries, and appropriate behaviour. Despite the public outcry, Smith won the Oscar for Best Actor for his role in King Richard, though he faced a 10-year ban from the Academy and resigned after apologising to the organisation during his acceptance speech—yet he never apologised directly to Rock.
Chris Rock has addressed the slap in his stand-up specials, continuing to keep the incident in the public eye. Jada Pinkett Smith, in a recent interview, reflected on the complexity of the situation, reiterating her full support for her husband. She explained, “I might not have walked in there as his wife, but I left that night as his wife.”
On the professional side, Will Smith’s latest film, Bad Boys: Ride or Die (2024), marks the long-awaited return of the popular franchise.