Chris Rock ’s team has shut down a fake statement circulating online following the controversial incident at the Oscars.
The comedian was at the centre of the biggest scandal to hit the awards ceremony in decades, after he was assaulted by Will Smith on stage during the Academy Awards on Sunday.
Chris cracked a joke about Will’s wife, Jada Pinkett, as he presented the award for Best Documentary, and was stunned when the actor leapt on stage to confront him, and smacked him in the face.
“Keep my wife’s name out of your f**king mouth,” Will repeatedly shouted to Chris as he returned to his seat.
Shortly after Will issued a statement on social media, apologising profusely for his aggressive behaviour, a statement purporting to be from Chris began circulating.
It began: “As a comedian, it can be difficult to understand which lines are to be crossed and which ones aren’t. Last night I crossed a line that I shouldn’t have and paid the enormous price of my reputation as a renowned comedian.”
The false statement, which was originally shared on Facebook, continued: “Comedy is never about poking fun at or making light of people with major ordeals happening in their lives.
“Comedy is about using real-life circumstances to create laughter and bring light to an otherwise dark world,” it read.
“With that said, I sincerely apologize to my friends Jada Pinkett-Smith, Will Smith, and the rest of the Smith family for the disrespect and disregard I displayed, which was unfortunately broadcast for the world to see.
“I hope that, with time, forgiveness can come of this situation, and we can all be better, more considerate people in the end. – Chris Rock,” it concluded.
However, the false apology was dismissed by the comedian’s team, and according to The Hollywood Reporter’s Rebecca Keegan, she confirmed it was fake.
“Chris Rock has not yet issued a statement. There is a statement going around purporting to be from Rock that is not from him, per his team. It’s the one that starts, “As a comedian, it can be difficult to understand….” she tweeted.
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