Chris Rock Says He Turned Down an Offer to Host 2023 Oscars After Will Smith Slap: Report

Mar. 15, 2025

Chris Rock.Photo: Al Seib/A.M.P.A.S./Getty

During a comedy set at the Arizona Financial Theatre in Phoenix, Arizona, on Sunday, the actor, 57, compared going back tothe Oscarsto returning to the scene of a crime, according to theArizona Republic.

While discussing the hosting offer, the comedian made a reference to the 1995 murder trial of O.J. Simpson, noting it would be like asking the late Nicole Brown Simpson “to go back to the restaurant” whereher mother had left a pair of glassesthe night of her death.

Chris Rock; Will Smith.Getty (2)

Rock said that Smith’s slap itself hurt referencing the actor’s turn as Muhammed Ali in the 2001 movieAli, and explaining, “He’s bigger than me. The state of Nevada would not sanction a fight between me andWill Smith.”

The star — who previously hostedthe Oscarsin 2005 and 2016 — added that he also turned down the opportunity to appear in a Super Bowl ad following the slapping incident.

For more on Chris Rock, listen below to our daily podcast PEOPLE Every Day.

Representatives for Rock and the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences did not immediately return PEOPLE’s request for comment.

Earlier this month, new Academy CEO Bill Kramerrevealedthatthe Oscarsdon’t intend to revisit the incident at next year’s ceremony.

“We want to move forward and to have an Oscars that celebrates cinema. That’s our focus right now, but it’s really about moving forward,” said Kramer, who began his position in July following the exit of former CEO Dawn Hudson.

The slap led to months of fallout for the Best Actor winner, whoresigned from the Academyof Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and wasbanned from attending Academy eventsfor 10 years.

TheKing Richardstar apologized to Rockin a statement on Instagramthe following day, before posting an apology video on his social media accounts July 29, explaining that night and apologizing directly to Rock and his family.

RELATED VIDEO: Oscars Producer Will Packer Responds toWill Smith’s Public Apology: ‘He’s Being So Transparent’

“I’ve reached out to Chris and the message that came back is that he’s not ready to talk, and when he is he will reach out,” Smith said. “So I will say to you, Chris, I apologize to you. My behavior was unacceptable, and I’m herewhenever you’re ready to talk.”

Rock has not officially commented on the televised physical assault, but has referenced the slap onstage inseveral stopsof his latest comedy tour.

Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

“Anyone who says words hurt has never been punched in the face,” Rock added at the time.

source: people.com