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Chris Rock, who was famously slapped by Oscar winner Will Smith during the 2022 Academy Awards, said during his comedy show that he was asked to host next year’s awards ceremony, but refused the invitation.
Rock also said during his show Sunday at Arizona Financial Theatre that he had been offered the chance to do a Super Bowl commercial, but profanely said he declined that as well.
The actor/comedian compared returning to the Oscars to returning to the scene of a crime, referencing the murder trial of O.J. Simpson, whose ex-wife’s killing began with her leaving a pair of eyeglasses at an Italian restaurant.
Rock said returning to the award ceremony would be like asking Nicole Brown Simpson “to go back to the restaurant.”
Will Smith and Chris Rock: Everything to know about the infamous Oscars 2022 slap
The slap was referenced briefly and early during the comedian’s approximately 90-minute show, though the sold-out crowd seemed primed to hear him address it. Audience members‘ phones were ordered turned off and held in locked pouches by security.
