Chris Rock criticised for ‘tasteless’ joke comparing Will Smith slap to Nicole Brown Simpson murder

Chris Rock has been slammed after making a ‘tasteless’ joke about Will Smith slapping him at this year’s Oscars

(Picture: Getty Images for National Board )

Chris Rock has received a backlash after joking about the murder of Nicole Brown Simpson in relation to Will Smith slapping him at this year’s Oscars.

The 57-year-old comedian reportedly made the quip during a stand-up show in Arizona last Sunday when he revealed he had turned down an offer to host next year’s Academy Awards.

Rock was infamously slapped by Will Smith at this year’s Oscars after making a joke about his wife Jada Pinkett Smith while presenting an award.

According to the Arizona Republic, Rock said returning to the Oscars would be like asking Nicole Brown Simpson “to go back to the restaurant,” referencing the events that led to both her and waiter Ron Goldman’s deaths, and the subsequent OJ Simpson murder trial.

Brown Simpson was murdered after leaving her glasses at a restaurant in 1995. Both she and 25-year-old restaurant waiter Goldman were found stabbed to death outside her home in Brentwood, Los Angeles.

Her ex-husband, former professional American football player Simpson, was accused of both killings but later acquitted of all charges. In a civil lawsuit in 1997, he was found liable for both deaths and paid $33.5 million in damages to the Goldmans.

While actor Smith striking Rock sparked horror around the globe, Rock’s latest remarks have not been well received.

Will Smith left the star-studded audience and viewers around the globe stunned when he struck Chris Rock at this year’s Oscars (AFP via Getty Images)

“The more Chris Rock talks, the more you begin to see why Will Smith smacked fire outta him,” wrote one Twitter user whose tweet has received over 16,000 likes.

“Nicole Brown Simpson was murdered & nearly decapitated. How is that in any way comparable to being slapped?” fumed another.

While photojournalist Gregory Anderson suggested that Fred Goldman - the dad of Ron Goldman - should have the “honour” of slapping Rock next.

“Comparing what happened to him to what happened to Nicole Brown Simpson is truly tasteless and not at all funny,” he penned.

A representative for Rock has been contacted for comment.