Chris Rock is set to finally address that slap in a new Netflix special set to air live on Saturday evening.
The events that unfolded during the 2022 Oscars, when Will Smith punched Rock on stage after he made a joke about Jada, have become one of the most notorious tales of recent years.
It’s safe to say, it was an event that got everyone talking for weeks.
Some will already be aware of the events that unfolded during the event, but for those of you that need reminding, Chris Rock was hosting the Oscars when he made a G.I. Jane joke about Jada Pinkett Smith, which resulted in the infamous slap.
“Jada, can’t wait for G.I. Jane 2,” Rock said referring to the G.I. Jane movie that sees actress, Demi Moore, shave her head.
His joke appeared to refer to Jada’s shaven hairdo after she opened up about her experience of hair loss from alopecia.
At first, Will appeared to laugh off Rock’s comment while Jada looked very unimpressed.
But, after the cameras cut away from the couple and back to Rock, Will stormed onto the stage where he slapped Rock.
Will then returned to his seat where he shouted profanities at the comedian.
After this, Will was banned from the Academy Awards for ten years. According to TMZ, John Bailey, CEO, and Academy President said: “The Board [of Governors] has decided, for a period of ten years, from April 8, 2022, Mr. Smith shall not be permitted to attend any Academy events or programs, in person or virtually, including but not limited to the Academy Awards.”
Will has previously explained that it was all down to a build-up of emotions and that it had a lot to do with his childhood trauma.
“It was a lot of things. It was the little boy that watched his father beat up his mother, you know?
“All of that just bubbled up in that moment. That is not who I want to be,” he said.
“I was gone. That was a rage that had been bottled for a really long time.”
But then, after more time had passed, Will saw the funnier side of the situation on TikTok.
However, it appears that the slap receiver is also due to address the memorable moment on his own platform.
Chris Rock is set to star in Netflix’s first ever livestreamed event, a comedy special titled Selective Outrage.
The Wall Street Journal reports that the name of the show is an idea that Rock has been playing with in recent gigs, which revolves around why Will did what he did, as well as why Rock failed to hit back.
Per UNILAD, the show will be performed in Baltimore, but be streamed to thousands across the globe.
It is so far unclear just how much of the set will revolve around the slap, but fans are sure that some good slappy content is on its way, particularly as it comes just a week before the 2023 Academy Awards.
The show will be livestreamed on Saturday March 4, at 10pm ET/ 3am GMT.
