It seems the fallout from the infamous 2022 Oscars slap between Will Smith and Chris Rock is far from over. According to an insider via In Touch Weekly, Will Smith “will never forgive Chris for ruining his life,” despite his efforts to rebuild his career over the past year.
The rift stems from Chris Rock’s joke about Jada Pinkett Smith during the ceremony, which prompted Will to storm the stage and slap the comedian. The incident shocked viewers worldwide and significantly impacted both men’s careers and reputations.
Will’s Perspective
The source claims Will harbors resentment towards Chris, stating, “He still hates the guy and his smug attitude. Chris isn’t the victim here, not in Will’s opinion. A lot of people would agree with Will and think what’s happening to Chris is karma for refusing to speak to Will or accept his apology.”
Chris Rock’s Struggles
On the other side, the insider revealed that Chris Rock is still affected by the event, allegedly suffering from PTSD. “He’s still haunted by what happened on that Oscars stage,” they shared. “Like Will, he’s never recovered from that slap.”
A Potential Reconciliation?
Despite calls from some for the two to reconcile and “hug it out,” the source says their mutual pride makes this unlikely.
Public Reaction and Criticism
Back in June, sports commentator Stephen A. Smith weighed in, suggesting that Will should address the Black community about his actions, particularly given the impact on Chris. Smith also pointed out that Will likely wouldn’t have reacted the same way if the joke had come from someone like Ricky Gervais or Bill Maher.
“No apology is necessary,” Stephen said. “I’m just saying a lot of folks ain’t get over that. A lot of folks find it hard to just go to the movies to watch you. I’m one of those people.”
Career Comeback
Despite the controversy, Will Smith made a successful return to the big screen with Bad Boys: Ride or Die, which debuted with an impressive $104.6 million worldwide in its opening weekend. This marks his first major film since the Oscars incident and demonstrates his enduring box-office appeal.
As both stars continue to navigate the aftermath of the Oscars moment, it seems time has yet to heal the wounds for either party. Whether reconciliation is on the horizon remains to be seen.
