Will Smith’s Unresolved Feud with Chris Rock: A Grudge That Won’t Fade
Nearly three years after the Oscars controversy, Will Smith still harbors resentment toward Chris Rock, believing the comedian derailed his career and public image.
The Incident That Shook Hollywood
Nearly three years after the unforgettable Oscars moment, Will Smith continues to wrestle with unresolved emotions toward Chris Rock. The now-infamous 2022 Academy Awards altercation, where Smith slapped Rock on stage for a joke about Jada Pinkett Smith’s alopecia, reverberated far beyond the ceremony. What should have been a career-defining night—marked by Smith’s Best Actor win for King Richard—turned into a defining controversy, leading to severe consequences for the actor’s career and public perception.
In the aftermath, Smith was banned from attending Academy events for a decade. Numerous projects were delayed, and his once-sterling reputation took a considerable hit. While the actor has since tried to rebuild his image, insiders reveal that he still blames Rock for the fallout. According to sources who spoke to OK! Magazine, Smith harbors deep resentment, believing Rock “ruined his life.”
A Feud That Refuses to Die
Though time has passed, the tension between the two Hollywood figures remains palpable. According to the insider, Smith has struggled to move past the incident, despite efforts to rebuild his career.
“He still hates the guy and his smug attitude,” the source alleged. “He’ll never forgive Chris for what happened that night.”
While Smith has extended public apologies, including a heartfelt video released months after the incident, Rock has largely dismissed them. Instead, the comedian has repeatedly referenced the slap in interviews and stand-up routines. His refusal to engage in any form of reconciliation has only deepened the divide. The source further claimed, “From Chris’ end, he’s still haunted by what happened on that Oscars stage. He suffers from PTSD. Like Will, he’s never fully recovered from that slap.”
Chris Rock’s Career After the Slap
Unlike Smith, whose career suffered immediate repercussions, Rock initially saw a surge in attention. His comedy specials became more relevant, and ticket sales spiked as audiences eagerly anticipated his response to the incident. However, some insiders suggest that the comedian has faced his own setbacks. His refusal to accept Smith’s apology and his repeated jokes about the altercation have led some to wonder whether karma has played a role in his recent struggles.
“A lot of people would agree with Will and think what’s happening to Chris is karma for refusing to speak to Will or accept his apology,” the source claimed.
One such instance was Rock’s abrupt exit from a billionaire’s holiday party in December. Reports from attendees suggested that Rock had been performing but suddenly became distracted, then stormed out, never to return.
“Whatever he saw—or thought he saw—upset him,” one guest recalled. “He shouted something about not wanting to be recorded or reported on, then just left.”
The Public Perception: A No-Win Situation?
Despite the public fallout, both stars have their share of supporters and critics. While Smith’s actions were widely condemned, many still sympathize with his reaction, citing the emotional toll that public scrutiny over his marriage has taken. On the other hand, Rock’s continued references to the incident have sparked mixed reactions—some see it as fair game, while others believe he’s milking the controversy.
The entertainment industry has long been a space where public perception can shift overnight. If both men continue to address the feud in their own ways, the controversy may never fully dissipate. However, the question remains: will either one ever find closure?
Can This Feud Ever Be Resolved?
In Hollywood, where public relations often dictate the longevity of one’s career, feuds rarely last forever. While neither Smith nor Rock has indicated a willingness to reconcile, history has shown that time—and perhaps the right opportunity—can mend even the deepest rifts.
For now, the divide remains, with Smith still feeling the weight of that fateful night and Rock standing firm in his refusal to forgive. Whether they ever move past it or not, their fractured relationship will remain a cautionary tale in the world of celebrity controversies.
(Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available reports and statements. While efforts have been made to provide accurate and up-to-date information, readers are encouraged to refer to official sources for the latest updates.)