Will Smith still holds a grudge against Chris Rock over the infamous slap incident at the 2022 Oscars.
The Men in Black actor made headlines after storming the stage and punching Chris Rock in the face in reaction to a joke about Jada Pinkett Smith‘s alopecia.
Despite winning an Oscar for King Richard that same night, the incident significantly derailed Smith’s career.
Days later, the Academy banned him from attending any of its events, including the Oscars, for 10 years. Several of his projects were also delayed as he faced widespread backlash.
While Smith’s career has started to recover, a source told OK! Magazine that he will “never forgive Chris for ruining his life, even though he’s managed to pick up the pieces in the last year or so.”
They added, “He still hates the guy and his smug attitude.”
Rock, on the other hand, has frequently referenced the slap in interviews and comedy routines over the past three years.
He also declined Smith’s public apology, which the actor issued via a video shortly after the Oscars.
The source said, “From Chris’ end, he’s still haunted by what happened on that Oscars stage. He suffers from PTSD. Like Will, he’s never recovered from that slap.”
However, Smith reportedly feels Rock is not the victim.
“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.”
According to OK! Magazine, last December, Chris Rock allegedly “stormed out” of billionaire Anthony Pratt’s holiday party during a comedy set.
An attendee claimed Rock performed briefly before something in the audience appeared to upset him.
At the time, an attendee said, “Whatever he saw — or thought he saw — upset him.”
“Like he went momentarily ape and shouted something like he wasn’t supposed to be taped, videoed, reported or whatever else wasn’t supposed to happen.”
“He kept b—-ing loudly and, without a second’s hesitation, stormed out — never to return.”
