Comedian Chris Rock didn’t directly address Will Smith’s recent video apology when he was on stage in Atlanta on Friday, but he continued to joke about the infamous incident at the Oscars when he was slapped by the actor while presenting the awards program.
“If everyone claims to be a victim, no one will listen to the real victims,” Rock said. “I even got spanked by Suge Smith … I went to work the next day, I had kids,” he joked, according to CNN.
Rock has repeatedly exploited the incident for his stage show, later commenting in Atlanta: “Anyone who says words hurt has never been punched in the face.”
Rock has not publicly commented directly on the slap, even in the wake of Smith’s recent video apology, which was directed directly at the comedian.
“I have contacted Chris and the message he got back is that he is not ready to talk and when he is, he will be in touch, so I will say to you, Chris, I apologize. My behavior was unacceptable and I’m here whenever you’re ready to talk,” Smith said in the lengthy video, posted on his YouTube channel and Instagram page.
Smith slapped Rock on stage after a joke about his wife, Jada Pinkett-Smith, and his appearance.
After the slap, Smith resigned from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. He also received a 10-year sentence.