The Oscars 2022 slap incident: Will Smith still holds a grudge against Chris Rock

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Will Smith continues to blame Chris Rock for his tarnished reputation following the 2022 Oscars incident. Smith resents Rock’s attitude post-incident, while Rock’s comedy shows keep the tension alive. Despite a career rebound, the slap’s shadow lingers over Smith’s public image.

The fallout between Will Smith and Chris Rock shows no signs of subsiding even three years after the shocking Oscars slap incident in 2022.

According to a report by InTouch Weekly, sources close to Smith reveal that the actor still harbors strong resentment toward Rock, largely because of what he perceives as Rock’s “smug attitude” after the incident.

“Will can’t stand Chris Rock and still holds him responsible for damaging his reputation,” the source shared. “Chris has his own share of problems and seems to be alienating people around him, which Will finds satisfying. He feels like he’s finally getting the upper hand and relishing it.”

The source further added, “Despite rebuilding his career over the past year, Will blames Chris for the bad press that came with the Oscars controversy and will never forgive him for it.”

The feud began during the 94th Academy Awards when Rock made a joke about Jada Pinkett Smith’s shaved head, referencing G.I. Jane. In response, Smith stormed the stage and slapped Rock, defending his wife in what many deemed an extreme reaction. The incident sparked debates on the limits of humor and personal boundaries, dividing public opinion.

Though Smith went on to win the Best Actor Oscar for his role in ‘King Richard,’ the consequences were significant. He resigned from the Academy and was banned from its events for 10 years. While he apologized to the Academy during his acceptance speech, he notably did not extend the apology to Rock.

Rock, meanwhile has not shied away from addressing the incident in his comedy shows, further fueling the tension. In a CBS interview, Jada Pinkett Smith reflected on the ordeal, emphasizing the complexities behind it. “It’s a deep topic,” she said. “That’s Will’s story to tell, but I left that night more committed to standing by him.”

Smith was last seen in ‘Bad Boys: Ride or Die’ (2024), the fourth installment in the popular franchise, alongside Martin Lawrence and Vanessa Hudgens. Despite professional recovery, the shadow of the Oscars slap lingers over his public image.

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