Years after the infamous slap at the 2022 Academy Awards, the internet is still buzzing with questions about the aftermath between Chris Rock and Will Smith. A recent rumor circulating on social media claims that comedian Chris Rock took legal action against Will Smith and won a staggering $40 million lawsuit as a result of the incident. But is there any truth to this claim?
This article delves into the facts surrounding the viral rumor and clarifies whether Chris Rock actually sued Will Smith. We’ll explore what really happened after the slap, examine the claims of a $40 million lawsuit, and provide verified information to set the record straight.
Debunking the $40 Million Lawsuit Rumor
The assertion that Chris Rock won a $40 million lawsuit against Will Smith is false. Despite the widespread online chatter, there is absolutely no credible evidence to support this claim. A thorough review of reputable news sources, legal databases, and official statements reveals no record of any lawsuit filed by Chris Rock against Will Smith related to the Oscars slap.
Had a lawsuit of this magnitude occurred, especially involving such high-profile celebrities, it would undoubtedly be major news. The absence of any reporting from trusted media outlets is a significant indicator that this rumor is unfounded. Fact-checking organizations like Snopes have also explicitly debunked this claim, further solidifying its falsity.
What Really Happened After the Oscars Slap?
Following the shocking incident at the 2022 Oscars, several key events unfolded. Firstly, Chris Rock declined to file a police report against Will Smith. The Los Angeles Police Department confirmed that they were aware of the incident, but because Rock chose not to press charges, they would not be pursuing the matter further unless he changed his mind later.
Publicly, Will Smith issued an apology to Chris Rock months after the event. In a video posted online, Smith expressed deep remorse for his actions, acknowledging his behavior was unacceptable and reaching out to Rock to apologize directly. However, reports indicated that Rock was “not ready to talk” at that time.
Furthermore, contrary to the lawsuit rumor, sources close to Chris Rock reported in the days following the Oscars that he was not even considering legal action against Will Smith. His focus appeared to be on moving forward and processing the event privately.
The Source of the $40 Million Confusion: Netflix Comedy Specials
The $40 million figure circulating in the rumor mill seems to stem from a real news story, but one that is completely unrelated to any supposed lawsuit. In 2016, years before the Oscars incident, Chris Rock secured a landmark deal with Netflix for two comedy specials. Reports from The Hollywood Reporter and other entertainment news outlets confirmed that this deal was worth $40 million, establishing a record-setting payday for a comedian in the streaming era.
This pre-existing news about Rock’s Netflix deal is likely the source of the confusion. The $40 million sum became associated with Chris Rock and Will Smith in the public consciousness due to the viral nature of the Oscars slap, leading some to mistakenly believe it was related to a legal settlement.
Chris Rock Addresses the Slap in “Selective Outrage”
While Chris Rock did not pursue legal action, he did address the slap publicly in his 2023 Netflix stand-up special, “Selective Outrage.” In the special, Rock directly referenced the incident, using humor to process and comment on what happened.
He acknowledged the slap, stating, “I got smacked like a year ago… at the f***ing Oscars by this motherf***er.” He also joked about the physical disparity between himself and Will Smith, deflecting any notion of victimhood and maintaining his comedic persona. However, crucially, his stand-up special made no mention of any lawsuit or financial settlement.
Conclusion: No Lawsuit, Just Rumors
In conclusion, the claim that Chris Rock sued Will Smith and won a $40 million settlement is demonstrably false. There is no evidence of any lawsuit, and the $40 million figure likely originates from reports of Chris Rock’s unrelated Netflix comedy special deal years before the Oscars incident. Chris Rock declined to file a police report, and reports suggest he wasn’t seeking legal action. While he addressed the slap in his comedy special, there has been no indication of any financial compensation or lawsuit related to the event. The rumor is simply that – a rumor, and not based in fact.
Sources:
- “Chris Rock Finally Talks Will Smith Oscars Slap in Comedy Special.” EW.Com, https://ew.com/tv/chris-rock-will-smith-live-special-selective-outrage/. Accessed 14 Aug. 2024.
- Goldberg, Lesley. “Chris Rock Sets Comedian Record With $40M for Two Netflix Specials.” The Hollywood Reporter, 13 Oct. 2016, https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/chris-rock-sets-netflix-stand-938106/. Accessed 14 Aug. 2024.
- Goodman, Stephanie. “How the Slap Has Changed the Oscars.” The New York Times, 12 Mar. 2023. NYTimes.com, https://www.nytimes.com/2023/03/12/movies/oscars-slap-will-smith-chris-rock.html. Accessed 14 Aug. 2024.
- Lee, Benjamin. “Will Smith Posts Emotional Apology for the Slap: ‘I Am Deeply Remorseful.'” The Guardian, 29 July 2022. The Guardian, https://www.theguardian.com/film/2022/jul/29/will-smith-slap-apology-video. Accessed 14 Aug. 2024.
- Sharf, Zack. “Chris Rock Declines to File Police Report After Will Smith Slap at Oscars, LAPD Says.” Variety, 28 Mar. 2022, https://variety.com/2022/film/news/chris-rock-police-report-will-smith-slap-oscars-1235216542/. Accessed 14 Aug. 2024.
- Smith, Emily. “Exclusive | Chris Rock “isn’t Even Thinking of Suing” Will Smith over Oscars Slap.” Page Six, 30 Mar. 2022, https://pagesix.com/2022/03/30/chris-rock-isnt-even-thinking-of-suing-will-smith-over-oscars-slap/. Accessed 14 Aug. 2024.
