2023 Oscars
Jimmy Kimmel references Will Smith/Chris Rock slap in 2023 Oscars opening monologue
Last year’s infamous slap was mentioned by host Jimmy Kimmel during the opening segment of the Academy Awards.
It didn’t take long for Jimmy Kimmel to reference Will Smith’s infamous slap of Chris Rock at last year’s Oscars.
What did Jimmy Kimmel say about the Will Smith/Chris Rock slap?
Kimmel joked that with five Irish actors nominated at this year’s Academy Awards, “the chances of a fight just went up.”
“We want you to have fun, feel safe and, most importantly, we want me feel safe,” Kimmel then told the audience.
“So, we have strict policies in pace. If anyone in this theater commits an act of violence at any point during the show, you will be awarded the Oscar for best actor and permitted to give a 19-minute long speech.
“But seriously, the academy has a crisis team in place. If anything unpredictable or violent happens during the show, sit there and do absolutely nothing. Maybe even give the assailant a hug.”
He also added: “And if any of you get mad at a joke and decide you want to get jiggy with it — it’s not going to be easy,” before shouting out to celebrities like Michael B. Jordan and Michell Yeoh in the crowd.
Smith slapped Rock at the 2022 Oscars while the comedian was presenting the Best Documentary Feature category.
Rock made a joke about Smith’s wife, Jada Pinkett Smith, and a possible ‘G.I. Jane’ sequel in reference to her bald head.
Although Smith laughed at first, Pinkett Smith rolled her eyes, with the actor then getting on stage and slapping Rock, before returning to his seat.
Rock told the stunned audience that Smith just slapped him, with the actor telling the comedian to keep his wife’s name out of his mouth.
Smith later apologized for his actions, and resigned from the Academy a few days after the ceremony.
As for Rock, he didn’t publicly comment on the slap until his recent comedy special on Netflix, ‘Selective Outrage’.