Will Smith ‘still hates’ Chris Rock, reveals new report: ‘The best thing for these two egomaniacs would be to…’

A new report suggests that actor Will Smith still holds resentment towards comedian Chris Rock, particularly due to the comedian's "smug attitude" following the 2022 slapping incident.

By: Entertainment Desk

Kochi | January 21, 2025 05:09 PM IST

3 min read

A new report suggests that actor Will Smith still holds resentment towards comedian Chris Rock, particularly due to the comedian's "smug attitude" following the 2022 slapping incident.

Will Smith, right, hits presenter Chris Rock on stage while presenting the award for best documentary feature at the Oscars on March 27, 2022, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP photo/Chris Pizzello)

Though almost three years have passed since the infamous Will Smith-Chris Rock slapping incident at the 94th Academy Awards, it appears that tensions between the two stars still linger, with a new report suggesting that Smith “still hates” Rock. One of the most controversial moments in recent entertainment history, Smith slapped Rock on stage after the comedian made an unscripted joke about Jada Pinkett Smith’s shaved head — a result of her battle with alopecia.

The situation took an even more dramatic turn when, later that night, Smith won his first Academy Award for Best Actor for his role in the biographical sports drama King Richard. Following the incident, Smith publicly apologised to Rock, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) and viewers, admitting he was “out of line” and that his actions did not reflect the person he aspired to be. Despite his apology, the AMPAS imposed a 10-year ban on Smith, prohibiting him from attending the Oscars or any academy events. However, the controversy continues to resurface, with Rock addressing it in his stand-up sets once in a while.

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According to a new InTouch Weekly report, a source close to Will Smith revealed that the actor still holds resentment towards Chris Rock, particularly due to the comedian’s “smug attitude” following the incident. The source also claimed that Smith is now relishing what feels like a “last laugh” moment, as Rock finds himself embroiled in controversy. Last month, Rock reportedly walked off stage just minutes into his performance at an event hosted by Pratt Industries’ executive chairman Anthony Pratt, sparking controversy.

“Will’s getting the last laugh and loving it. He will never forgive Chris for ruining his life, even though he’s managed to pick up the pieces in the last year or so,” InTouch Weekly quoted the insider as saying. “He still hates the guy and his smug attitude.”

“Chris isn’t the victim here, not in Will’s opinion. A lot of people would agree with Will and think what’s happening to Chris is karma for refusing to speak to Will or accept his apology.” Acknowledging that while violence in response to a joke is never justifiable, the source also stated Rock has also been deeply affected by the incident. “From Chris’ end, he’s still haunted by what happened on that Oscars stage. He suffers from PTSD. Like Will, he’s never recovered from that slap. Others feel the best thing would be for these two egomaniacs to come together and hug it out, but they’re too proud.”

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