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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Jamie Roberts

Chris Rock jokes about Will Smith Oscars slap and insists he's 'not a victim'

Chris Rock has reportedly referenced the shocking slap he was subjected to by Will Smith at this year's Oscars, claiming it "hurt", but said he quickly moved on.

During a comedy show in New Jersey on Sunday, the comedian, 57, joked about quickly moving on from the incident four months ago.

The show at PNC Bank Arts Center alongside Kevin Hart saw Chris tell the audience during a sketch about people being over sensitive: "I'm not a victim, motherf***er," according to US Weekly.

Chris is said to have quipped: "Anyone who says words hurt has never been punched in the face.

"Yeah, that s*** hurt, motherf***er. … But I shook that s*** off and went to work the next day … I don't go to the hospital for a paper cut."

Will Smith slapped Chris Rock at this year's Oscars (REUTERS)

The comments seemingly referenced the incident on March 27 after the Fresh Prince of Bel Air star stormed the stage after being offended by Chris' joke about his wife Jada Pinkett Smith as he presented an award.

Chris joked about Jada's buzzcut, saying: "Jada, can't wait for GI Jane 2."

Will - who went on to win Best Actor later in the evening - marched onto the stage and whacked the presenter, before returning to his seat and yelling: "Keep my wife's name out of your f****** mouth."

The comedian's joke was a reference to the 1997 movie G.I Jane - which starred Demi Moore sporting a haircut similar to Jada's.

Jada had previously spoken out about her decision to shave her head, after suffering from alopecia.

Following the saga, the Hitch star issued a public apology, calling his actions "unacceptable and inexcusable".

Jada also addressed the incident in June on Red Table Talk, saying she hoped Will and Chris would be able to "heal, talk this out and reconcile" in the future.

Will has since been banned from participating in all Oscars-related events for the next 10 years and stepped down from his position within the Academy.

Jada Pinkett Smith, Chris Rock and Will Smith in 2005 (Getty Images)

In a statement at the time, the Academy said: "The 94th Oscars were meant to be a celebration of the many individuals in our community who did incredible work this past year; however, those moments were overshadowed by the unacceptable and harmful behaviour we saw Mr Smith exhibit on stage.

"During our telecast, we did not adequately address the situation in the room. For this, we are sorry. This was an opportunity for us to set an example for our guests, viewers and our Academy family around the world, and we fell short — unprepared for the unprecedented.

"Today, the Board of Governors convened a meeting to discuss how best to respond to Will Smith’s actions at the Oscars, in addition to accepting his resignation. The Board has decided, for a period of 10 years from April 8 2022, Mr Smith shall not be permitted to attend any Academy events or programs, in person or virtually, including but not limited to the Academy Awards."

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