Chris Rock has reportedly turned down an offer to host next year’s Academy Awards.
The 57-year-old comedian - who previously hosted the Oscars in 2005 and 2016 - is said to have discussed his decision at a stand-up gig in Arizona’s Financial Theatre on Sunday.
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.
He now seems keen to distance himself from the incident which took place earlier this year and left the star-studded audience and millions of viewers around the world shocked.
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 her death and the subsequent OJ Simpson murder trial.
The Standard has contacted a representative for Chris Rock for comment.
The Grown Ups actor also revealed that he was asked to do a Super Bowl commercial following the slap, which he also rejected.
Shortly after Smith, 53, stormed the stage, he was controversially named Best Actor for his role in King Richard.
While Smith was able to retain his win, he was banned from The Academy and all its events for 10 years.
He has since issued a video apology to Rock on Instagram.
He said: “Chris, I apologise to you. My behaviour was unacceptable, and I’m here whenever you are ready to talk.”
