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Though unexpectedly getting slapped throughout the face isn’t enjoyable, what has grow to be referred to as “the slap heard world wide” on the 2022 Academy Awards might award Chris Rock, 57, a brand new alternative. In a Might 17 interview, Craig Erwich, ABC’s president of leisure, revealed he’s not against the thought of the comic internet hosting the 2022 present, per Deadline. He additionally raved concerning the success of the present, regardless of the awkward and unscripted shock second.
“My evaluation of the Oscars was that it was actually a profitable 12 months for the present,” he advised Deadline. “Clearly there was a number of controversy, which overshadowed a number of the constructive issues concerning the present, however I used to be actually pleased with this system. Even earlier than that very unlucky second, the present began off up 12 months over 12 months, and we got here again in an enormous means.” In line with Deadline, the 2022 Oscars noticed almost a 60 p.c improve in viewers from the earlier 12 months.
Chris was slapped by Will Smith, 53, whereas on stage on the present after he made a joke about his spouse, Jada Pinkett-Smith‘s, bald head. “Jada, can’t await G.I. Jane 2!” Chris smiled. Will then walked on stage, slapped the comedian, and repeatedly yelled at him to maintain Jada’s identify out of his mouth. Attendees and viewers alike have been at first confused concerning the incident and have been not sure if it was actual. Nonetheless, when Will later gained Finest Actor for his starring function in King Richard, he apologized for his habits, making it clear his emotional response was unplanned. He extra formally apologized on Instagram someday after the March 27 occasion.
Chris has not publicly responded to the apology, however he did joke about the infamous slap in Might throughout a comedy present in London. “I’m OK, if anyone was questioning. Acquired most of my listening to again,” he laughed whereas standing on stage on the Royal Albert Corridor. “Don’t anticipate me to speak concerning the bulls**t. I’ll speak about it sooner or later – on Netflix. Your tickets have been costly, however not that costly,” he added.
In line with an inside supply, it doesn’t appear to be Chris will have the ability to formally deal with the scenario or Will’s apology anytime quickly. “He can’t think about forgiving Will, being pals with him. It’s only a very bizarre factor to completely envelope,” an individual near Chris EXCLUSIVELY told HollywoodLife in April. “He doesn’t know when he’ll speak about it, he is aware of he should sooner or later, however he actually is specializing in his tour and for the mud to completely settle,” the supply added. “It’s nonetheless uncooked, emotional, and complicated to cope with and wrap his head round.”
On the intense aspect, if Chris does host the 2023 Academy Awards, he doesn’t have to fret about Will making any form of contact with him. The Academy of Movement Image Arts and Sciences formally banned Will from all functions hosted by The Academy, together with the Oscars, for 10 years starting on April 8.
