Chris Rock says he is “still processing what happened” at the Oscars this weekend after being smacked across the face by Will Smith on stage at the 94th awards ceremony.
The comedian referenced the incident at a stand-up show in Boston on Wednesday night where he received a standing ovation as he took to the stage.
There were reportedly 3,000 fans in the audience, some of whom were said to have paid nearly £760 ($1,000) for a ticket.
Rock kicked off the show and said: “How was your weekend?
“I don’t have a bunch of s**t about what happened, so if you came to hear that, I have a whole show I wrote before this weekend.
“I’m still kind of processing what happened.
“So, at some point, I’ll talk about that s**t. And it will be serious and funny.”
Actor and comedian Chris Rock performs in Boston
AMANDA SABGA
Rock was hit by Smith after he made a joke about his wife’s medical condition, alopecia.
Referring to his wife’s, Jada Pinkett Smith’s buzzcut, Rock said: “Jada, can’t wait for GI Jane 2,” prompting the actress to roll her eyes.
The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air star, 53, has been condemned by the Academy as it launched a formal review into his altercation with Rock during the ceremony.
The organisation said the best actor winner’s actions were “shocking” and “traumatic” to witness live on television as it apologised to Rock, praising his “resilience in that moment”.
Will Smith hits Chris Rock on stage during the 94th Academy Awards in Hollywood, Los Angeles, California
BRIAN SNYDER
A teary Will Smith accepts his award for best actor for his performance in King Richard
BRIAN SNYDER
Smith later returned to the stage accept the award for best actor for his performance in King Richard, and gave an emotional speech about the importance of protecting family.
The actor apologised to The Academy and his fellow nominees during his acceptance speech following his win, and later to Rock on social media.
In a post on Instagram he admitted he had reacted “emotionally” to the joke, but “violence in all its forms is poisonous and destructive”.
The Academy said in a statement: “Things unfolded in a way we could not have anticipated.
“While we would like to clarify that Mr Smith was asked to leave the ceremony and refused, we also recognise we could have handled the situation differently.
“Mr Smith’s actions at the 94th Oscars were a deeply shocking, traumatic event to witness in-person and on television,” the academy said.
“Mr Rock, we apologise to you for what you experienced on our stage and thank you for your resilience in that moment.
“We also apologise to our nominees, guests and viewers for what transpired during what should have been a celebratory event.”
