Did Chris Rock turn down the Academy’s offer to host Oscars 2023?

Chris Rock
Credit: Instagram

Chris Rock is reportedly said to have turned down the offer to host the 2023 Academy Awards. The reports come following his altercation with Will Smith that took place at this year’s Oscars 2022. According to a report by the Arizona Republic, the comedian opened up on the same during one of his recent shows at Arizona Financial Theatre in Phoenix, where he revealed that the Academy approached him again.

 

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Rock’s decision

According to the same report, Chris Rock, during his show, compared accepting the hosting gig at the Oscars to returning to a crime scene. He also reportedly gave reference to O.J. Simpson’s murder trial, whose ex-wife’s killing started with the lady leaving a pair of eyeglasses at a restaurant. Rock further stated that returning to host the Academy Awards is like asking Nicole Brown Simpson to go back to the Italian restaurant.

The slapping incident

Chris Rock was presenting the Best Documentary Award at the Oscars 2022 when he got slapped by Will Smith after having made a joke about the latter’s wife, Jada Pinkett Smith. Following the slapping incident, Will Smith posted a long apology on his Instagram handle. Earlier this month, the actor also apologized to Chris by releasing a video and said, “Chris, I apologize to you. My behaviour was unacceptable and I’m here whenever you’re ready to talk. I am deeply devoted and committed to putting light and love and joy into the world. And, you know, if you hang on, I promise we’ll be able to be friends again.”

Action against Will Smith

Following the slapping incident, the Academy announced its decision to ban Will Smith from attending the awards ceremony for ten years. They announced the same a week after the actor publicly resigned from the Academy.

The public apology

 

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Here is what Will Smith said in his earlier public apology on social media.

“Violence in all its forms is poisonous and destructive. My behavior at last night’s Academic Awards was unacceptable and inexcusable. Jokes at my expense are a part of the job, but a joke about Jada’s medical condition was too much for me to bear and I reacted emotionally.

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. There is no place for violence in a world of love and kindness.

I would also like to apologize to the Academy, the producers of the show, all the attendees, and everyone watching around the world. I would like to apologize to the Williams Family and my King Richard Family. I deeply regret that my behavior has strained what has been an otherwise gorgeous journey for all of us.

I am a work in progress.

Sincerely,

Will.”

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