The feud between Will Smith and Chris Rock shows no signs of abating, three years after their shocking 2022 Oscar slapping incident.
According to a report in InTouch Weekly, those close to Smith say Smith still harbors intense resentment towards Locke, largely due to what Smith perceived as Locke’s “smug attitude” after the incident. It was revealed that there was.
“Will can’t stand Chris Rock and still takes responsibility for tarnishing his reputation,” the source said. “Chris has his own issues and seems to be alienating those around him, but Will seems happy with it. He feels like he’s finally got the upper hand and is enjoying it.” .”
The source added: “Despite rebuilding his career over the past year, Will is blaming Chris for the bad press surrounding the Oscar controversy and will never forgive him for it.”
The feud began during the 94th Academy Awards when Rock referenced GI Jane and joked about Jada Pinkett Smith’s shaved head. In response, Smith stormed onto the stage, slapped Rock, and defended his wife in what many considered an extreme reaction. The incident sparked debate about the limits of humor and personal boundaries, and divided public opinion.
Smith won a Best Actor Oscar for his role in King Richard, and the impact was profound. He resigned from the academy and was banned from participating in events for 10 years. He apologized to the Academy in his acceptance speech, but not specifically to Rock.
Meanwhile, Rock has not hesitated to mention the incident on his comedy show, further escalating tensions. In an interview with CBS, Jada Pinkett Smith reflected on the ordeal and highlighted the complexities behind it. “This is a deep topic,” she said. “This is Will’s story to tell, but I left that night committed to standing by Will.”
Smith last appeared in Bad Boys: Ride or Die (2024), the fourth film in the popular series, alongside Martin Lawrence and Vanessa Hudgens. Despite his professional recovery, the shadow of the Oscar slap remains on his public image.
