Chris Rock and Will Smith bury the hatchet after Oscars slap
Chris Rock and Will Smith. Image: Instagram via @USAToday

Chris Rock and Will Smith. Image: Instagram via @USAToday

Chris Rock and Will Smith bury the hatchet after Oscars slap

Chris Rock and Hollywood star Will Smith have finally mended their friendship after the shocking Oscars slap that stunned the world in 2022.

Chris Rock and Will Smith. Image: Instagram via @USAToday

Chris Rock and Will Smith. Image: Instagram via @USAToday

In a surprising turn of events, Chris Rock has finally forgiven Will Smith for the infamous Oscars slap that shocked the world in 2022.

The two stars, who had been at odds since the incident, have decided to let bygones be bygones and move forward.

THE CHRIS ROCK AND WILL SMITH SLAP

The dramatic moment occurred during the 94th Academy Awards when Will Smith, visibly upset, strode onto the stage and slapped Chris Rock.

The comedian had made a joke about Jada Pinkett Smith’s alopecia. This did not sit well with her husband, according to The News.

The slap, seen and heard around the globe, sparked a flurry of reactions. It left a lasting impression on the entertainment industry.

Cedric the Entertainer, a mutual friend of both Rock and Smith, recently shared insights into the reconciliation.

CHRIS ROCK AND WILL SMITH MAKE UP

Speaking to The Mirror, he explained how the two stars finally reached a point of understanding.

“That was one of those times, it was a moment in time where you’re dealing with something very personal and family,” Cedric said.

“It got done in front of everybody else.”

Cedric reflected on the impact of the incident, noting how personal it felt for everyone involved.

CHRIS ROCK AND WILL SMITH FACE THE AFTERMATH

“A smack is more personal than a punch,” he stated.

“When someone smacks a person, you realise that something very personal is happening there.

“And that’s what we didn’t know as an audience.”

The public only saw the slap and its immediate aftermath, not the deeper context behind it, according to The Mirror.

Cedric emphasised that both men were dealing with private emotions and stresses.

PROCESS OF REFLECTION

“We only saw the result and then decided it was something. And that’s what I was confident about.

“I was confident both of them understood what was happening at that moment and they got to get through it.”

According to Cedric, the reconciliation was a process of reflection and understanding.

“Both Chris Rock and Will Smith can, in hindsight, realise ‘we’ve both crossed the line and like.

“‘You know what, you good, my man? Thank you. And we’ll get through it’.”

He continued, “And that’s the thing about life. We can react and we can look at things and then we turn ourselves into these all-knowing judges of a situation.

THE BACKLASH

“This is because we watched it and thought we knew exactly what happened. That’s not true.”

The journey to forgiveness has not been easy for either party, according to Atlanta Black Star.

In the immediate aftermath of the slap, Chris Rock maintained his composure and professionalism, but the incident left a mark on him.

Will Smith, too, faced significant backlash and had to navigate the consequences of his actions.

However, time has a way of healing wounds.

MOVING FORWARD

Chris Rock and Will Smith, with the help of friends like Cedric, have come to understand each other’s perspectives.

This reconciliation is a testament to their maturity and willingness to move forward.

Fans of both stars are likely relieved and hopeful that this chapter has come to a close.

LEAVING THE PAST

The entertainment industry can now look forward to seeing more of Rock and Smith’s talents without the shadow of the Oscars slap hanging over them.

In the end, this incident serves as a reminder that even public figures face personal challenges.

Forgiveness is a powerful step toward healing.

With this chapter behind them, Chris Rock and Will Smith can now focus on their future endeavours, leaving the past where it belongs.

TheSouthAfrican.com is all about South Africa and the stories that affect South Africans, wherever they are in the world.

We’re independent.
No agenda.
No Bias.

Follow us

About us

Terms, Conditions, Privacy & GDPR

Contact Us

Women in Journalism

Our office is for administrative purposes only, no visitors will be accepted without an appointment.

South Africa – Blue Sky Publications (Pty) Ltd - Registration Number: 2005/028472/07 - Address: Regus Business Centre, 1st Floor, Block B, North Park, Black River Park, 2 Fir Street, Observatory, Cape Town, 7925, South Africa