The Will Smith and Chris Rock Oscars debacle is forever etched in people’s minds as the most dramatic public outburst of the century. What started as an inappropriate joke during the ceremony by Chris Rock soon turned ugly. As a result, Will Smith has faced quite a bit of flak for how he behaved. And he even got banned from the Oscars for the foreseeable future, i.e., the next ten years.
Discover our latest podcast
In a way to make amends and give the situation a lighter side, Smith made the first step towards a potential reconciliation. Here’s what he did.
Will Smith’s Emancipation screening
Smith recently hosted a screening of Emancipation, his upcoming release. As per Billboard, various celebrities attended the screening, includingRihanna, ASAP Rocky, Tyler Perry, and more big names. Among the esteemed guests, one person who stood out was the stand-up comedian Dave Chappelle.
Will Smith’s first move
Dave Chappelle, as the world knows, is a close friend and associate of Chris Rock. Chapelle and Rock have been touring the world together through 2022 as fellow co-headliners for their special comedy show. And the two comedians even joked about the infamous Oscars slap that shocked the whole world. So, fans are surprised by Chappelle’s presence at the screening and see it as Smith’s way of making peace and letting bygones be bygones.
The scope for reconciliation
Chappelle’s attendance at the private screening is an excellent sign of a possible reconciliation between Smith and Rock. He could be the bridge between the two actors. As per Marca, Chappelle allegedly sides with both of them.
However, Rock is rumored to have rejected talking to Smith after the incident on several occasions. Despite this, Smith’s invitation was a great move to try and ensure peace between the comedians. Whether or not this will lead to a reconciliation between Smith and Rock remains to be seen.
Sources used:
- Marca: 'Will Smith's first step towards making peace with Chris Rock, meeting with Dave Chappelle'
- Billboard: 'Will Smith Hosts 'Epic' Screening of 'Emancipation' With Rihanna, Dave Chappelle as Guests'
- Screenrant: 'Will Smith Shares Celebrity-Filled Picture From Screening Of New Movie'