Oscars 2022: Here's What Chris Rock Said After Will Smith Slapped Him Over Jada Pinkett Smith Joke

By Joshua Summers Mar 30 2022, 20:07 PM EDT

Chris Rock has cracked off a joke backstage at the Oscars 2022 after Will Smith slapped him for making fun of the actor's wife, Jada Pinkett Smith.

It can be recalled that Rock was hit by Smith when the comedian joked about Jada's shaved head. Jada is known to reveal in 2018 that she has alopecia.

According to an Oscars 2022 insider from Vanity Fair, Chris Rock tried to downplay the situation following his drama with the "Aladdin" star, per NME.

The source noted that Rock returned backstage with a red cheek and that he made a joke about Will's other Oscar-nominated roles.

"One witness said he remarked loudly, 'That's the only time you get hit by Muhammad Ali and it doesn't leave a scratch,'" the source underscored.

Chris Rock Will Not Sue Will Smith Over Oscars 2022 Drama

Following the slapping incident, Chris Rock is reportedly not thinking of suing Will Smith.

Rock's friend, who was not identified, confirmed the news to Page Six, saying that the comedian is focused on his tour.

The Los Angeles Police Department reportedly approached Rock after the incident. However, the comedian declines to press charges against the actor, TV Insider said, citing Deadline.

Rock has still six months to press charges should he change his mind. According to reports, a simple assault in California is categorized as a misdemeanor with a potential sentence of up to six months jail time and fines of up to $100,000.

However, Rock is not a fan of legal proceedings, according to Page Six.

In a Netflix comedy special, Rock shared his experience in divorcing his ex-wife, Malaak Campton, in 2016, saying that he had to pay for a lawyer, comparing it to hiring a hitman to kill him.

He also called the process humiliating.

Will Smith Apologizes For Slapping Chris Rock Over Jada Pinkett Smith Joke

Will Smith took to Instagram on Monday to express his apology to Chris Rock after he slapped him on the stage at Oscars 2022.

The actor began his apology by saying that violence in all forms is not acceptable. Smith also noted that his behavior at the 94h Academy Awards was unacceptable and inexcusable.

Smith also underscored that jokes about his wife's medical condition were too much for him, prompting him to act emotionally. The actor then said sorry to Chris Rock.

"I would like to publicly apologize to you, Chris. I was out of line, and I was wrong. I am embarrassed and my actions were not indicative of the man I want to be," Smith said.

The actor then apologized to the Academy and producers of the show, and all those who have witnessed how he handled the situation.

"I deeply regret that my behavior has stained what has been an otherwise gorgeous journey for all of us," Smith added. However, the comedian's brother, Tony Rock, did not accept Smith's apology.