Chris Rock says he turned down hosting next year’s Oscars after being slapped by Will Smith

Chris Rock made a joke about murder the trial of OJ Simpson as he claimed he was asked to host the Oscars next year. The comedian, who was slapped across the face by actor Will Smith as he presented an award at the 2022 Academy Awards, reportedly joked about the situation at a recent stand-up show. Madagascar star Chris was reportedly performing in Arizona when he told crowds he was asked to host the 2023 Oscars.

The comedian and actor reportedly made a joke about the murder of Nicole Brown Simpson as he explained he turned down the offer to host as it would be like returning to the scene of the crime. According to Arizona Central , Chris was performing at the Arizona Financial Theatre in Phoenix when he claimed he was asked to host next year’s Academy Awards. Explaining that he turned down the opportunity, Chris reportedly told audiences that returning to the Oscars would be like asking Nicole Brown Simpson ‘to go back to the restaurant.

’ The comment refers to the murder of OJ Simpson’s ex Nicole and restaurant waiter Ron Goldman; the star forgot glasses at Goldman’s restaurant and he was seemingly returning the item to her home when the pair were killed. He also claimed he had been asked to take part in a Superbowl commercial but also turned that opportunity down. Chris briefly spoke about the slap itself, saying actor Will is ‘bigger than me’ and joking that ‘a fight between me and Will Smith’ would not be legally sanctioned.

’ The comedian’s comments come months after I, Robot actor Will slapped Chris on stage after he made a joke about Jada Pinkett-Smith’s alopecia, comparing her to GI Jane. Chris later claimed he did not know Jada suffered from the disease. Will – who went on to win the best actor award at the same ceremony – has since been banned from the Oscars for 10 years He recently issued an apology video to Chris, saying he himself had been hurt both ‘psychologically and emotionally’ by the incident.

And a source recently claimed the actor has been feeling less ‘depressed’ about his outbrst since making the apology. A source claimed to ET online : ‘He was in very low spirits prior to making his public apology. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video ‘He feels less ashamed now and more comfortable being out and about in public again because he has and continues to do the work that needs to be done for himself, his wife, his family, his friends, his colleagues, his fans, The Academy, Chris, and Chris’ family.

’ The source went on to explain that Will, who shares son Jaden , 24, and daughter Willow, 21, with actress Jada, 50, who he married in 1997, as well as son Trey, 29, with Sheree Zampino, wanted to set a ‘good example’ for his children with the apology. In Will’s apology video, the actor said: ‘It’s all fuzzy. I will say to you, Chris, I apologise to you.

My behavior was unacceptable and I’m here whenever you’re ready to talk. Britney Spears shares horrifying new claims about conservatorship Alexandra Burke rocks breast pump at Notting Hill Carnival weeks after giving birth Harry Potter star Matthew Lewis claims AirCanada ‘tore up’ his First Class ticket ‘I hate when I let people down. So it hurts, it hurts me psychologically and emotionally to know I didn’t live up to people’s image and impression of me.

Metro. co. uk has reached out to reps for Chris and the Academy Awards for comment.

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co. uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you. MORE : Will Smith ‘less ashamed’ about Oscars slap following Chris Rock video apology MORE : People don’t love Will Smith anymore after Chris Rock Oscars slap.