Will Smith still hasn’t personally apologized to Chris Rock, nearly a year after the embarrassing slap in the face at the 2022 Oscars, sources tell Page Six.
Following the release of Rock’s Netflix special “Selective Outrage” – in which he joked about watching Smith’s slave film “Emancipation” only to “see him being booed”, an insider said it was unlikely. It’s possible the Hollywood heavyweights can.
“Will called Chris last year after the Oscars. But Chris didn’t pick up the phone. And they haven’t spoken since,” a source who knows the two men exclusively told Page Six.
“Chris opened up to the call until Will issued a public apology. Then we can talk about the whole ‘Red Table Talk’,” the insider continued, referring to Jada Pinkett Smith’s Facebook Watch, where she once shared hopes her husband would And his old friend was able to “reconcile”.
Smith, 54, has apologized for the incident twice via Instagram: in a written statement the day after the awards show in March 2022 and in an emotional video in July.
“Will’s two public apologies were all in the defense of his reputation,” a source told us. “Will didn’t apologize to Chris. Rock personally — and Chris didn’t expect it.”
In fact, Rock, 58, is ready to move on. In which he spoke his part in a special live performance.
“This is the end for Chris,” said our source. “He wants to do that in a safe area.”
Insiders also denied a recent People magazine report that claimed Rock chose to film his special in Baltimore because Pinkett Smith, 51, grew up there.
“(He) performed there five times last year. And he loves the audience,” the source explained.
“The choice of location wasn’t because Chris was obsessed with Jada ‘for 30 years’ as has been claimed. It’s because he feels comfortable in the place and the audience.”
Representatives for Smith and Rock did not return Page Six’s request for comment.
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This isn’t the first time we’ve reported that Smith hasn’t apologized to Rock one-on-one.
A month after Slapgate, a source called the “Prince of Bel-Air” alum “cynical and ridiculous” for going on a “spiritual tour” of India amid controversy.
“No amount of Namaste can compensate for that,” they quipped.
Smith, who won Best Actor for “King Richard” shortly after rocking the stage, resigned from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in retaliation for his acceptance.
The Academy later banned movie stars from participating in activities for 10 years.
“We want to express our deepest gratitude to Mr. Rock for maintaining peace under extraordinary circumstances,” the organization said in April 2022. “We want to thank the hosts. Nominees, hosts and winners for their gestures and grace during our television broadcast.”
Smith issued a short statement in response: “I accept and respect the decision of the Academy.”
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