Chris Rock discussed the infamous Will Smith Oscars slap while on stage during a recent appearance for his “Only Headliners Allowed” comedy tour with Kevin Hart in New Jersey.
The comedian admitted the hit from the Academy Award-winner “hurt,” but insisted he wasn’t a “victim” as he joked with the audience at the PNC Bank Arts Center.
“Anyone who says words hurt has never been punched in the face,” Rock told the crowd, according to Us Weekly. He later added, “I’m not a victim. Yeah, that s— hurt, motherf—er. But, I shook that s— off and went to work the next day. I don’t go to the hospital for a paper cut.”
Rock was famously hit across the face by Smith before presenting an award during the live telecast of the 94th Academy Awards after he told a joke about Smith’s wife, Jada Pinkett Smith.
Smith stormed the stage after Rock joked about Jada’s bald head in a reference to “G.I. Jane.” Pinkett Smith had previously discussed her struggles with alopecia, an autoimmune disorder that causes hair loss.
Following the incident, Smith received the best actor award for his work in “King Richard,” at which time he apologized for his actions.
Days later, the “Independence Day” star announced his resignation from the Academy in a statement provided to Fox News Digital, saying he had “betrayed the trust of the Academy.”
“I have directly responded to the academy’s disciplinary hearing notice, and I will fully accept any and all consequences for my conduct,” he said.
Rock and Hart teamed up for their five-show tour earlier this month, and recently featured a special guest at their Madison Square Garden stop when Dave Chappelle opened for the duo.
The 48-year-old comedian joined his friends on stage for what Hart called “the best moment of my career” as Chappelle was reportedly greeted by a roaring applause and walked out to the Radiohead song, “Karma Police.”
“I can’t even explain it…I can’t find the words…Just know that last night was the true definition of a ‘EPIC NIGHT,’” Hart confessed on Twitter while sharing a few images from the packed performance in Midtown Manhattan, where he also reportedly presented Rock with a goat named Will Smith.
“I love my brothers more than words can explain. What we did to the Garden will never be done again….We made history last night!!!!!!!!”
“Had to sneak my way in here,” Chappelle told the audience, via TMZ, adding, “despite what you may have read about in the news, I’m OK, and I appreciate the support.”
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