It’s been four months since Will Smith and Chris Rock’s smacking incident – but that doesn’t mean it’s the last time we hear about it.
On March 27, people around the world couldn’t believe their eyes after seeing Smith slap Rock during the 2022 Academy Awards.
The incident sparked controversy across social media, with Will’s popularity dropping soon after.
Although the event became a popular internet meme, many people were deeply hurt by the actor’s actions – including Rock’s mother.
Chris Rock’s mother speaks
One month after the accident in April 2022, Rock’s mother, Rosalie Rock, told WIS 10 what she really thought about the traumatic moment.
As a mother of ten, Rosalie did not want to see her son get hurt – like any mother would feel.
On the show, she said, “When he slapped Chris he slapped us all, but he really slapped me. Because when you hurt my baby, you hurt me.”
When asked what she would say to Smith if she had the opportunity to speak with him, she commented, “I have no idea what I would say other than what you were thinking in the world because you slapped me, but a lot of things could happen from that. Chris could have fallen back.” And he falls down, and it could have really taken you out of the handcuffs.”
Rosalie added that it was “difficult” for her as a mother to watch the event from home as she could not help or communicate with her son.
Will Smith apologizes to Rosalie Rock
The interview was watched by people from all over the world, including Smith himself.
The American actor broke his silence over the fallout, addressing Kris and his mother in his latest YouTube video titled It’s Been A Minute…
Will said he’s been “doing a lot of personal thinking and work” since the accident, and although he’s tried to reach out to Chris, he’s not ready to talk to him yet.
Despite this, Smith told viewers, “I’ll tell you Chris, I apologize to you, my behavior has been unacceptable and I’m here whenever I’m ready to speak.”
“I want to apologize to Chris’ mother. I saw an interview that Chris’ mother did and you know, that was one of the things in that moment. I just didn’t realize, you know, I wasn’t thinking but how many people were hurt in that moment,” Smith added, so I want to I apologize to Chris’ mother, and I want to apologize to Chris’ family, specifically Tony Rock.
Rosalie discusses Will Smith’s punishment
As a result of the Academy Awards, Smith received a 10-year ban from the Academy Awards ceremony, as well as any other academic events.
Many believed that this was not the punishment owed to Smith, as he actually did by assaulting The Rock on national television. However, since Rock didn’t press charges, the incident didn’t go any further.
Rock’s mother commented on the ban, saying: What does that mean? You don’t even go every year.”
Rosalie believes he didn’t get the punishment he deserved, however she stated: “I wouldn’t have taken his award away and I don’t see any good way they could have taken it out without disrupting. So I’m really proud of the way Chris handled it. I’m really sad because Chris was so happy to award an award. Questlove for the Academy Award”.
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