Chris Rock's Reason For Turning Down Oscars Hosting Gig Draws Backlash
It’s been five months since Will Smith slapped Chris Rock onstage live at The Oscars, but it’s still fresh on everyone’s mind.
Case in point, Rock was riffing with the crowd at a stand-up show in Phoenix on Sunday night (August 28) when he made a startling revelation. The comedian noted that he was asked to host next year’s academy awards, and according to the Arizona Republic, he made a reference that is rubbing people the wrong way.
In referencing the murder trial of O.J. Simpson, Rock told the crowd at Arizona Financial Theatre that going back to the awards ceremony would be like asking Nicole Brown Simpson “to go back to the restaurant” where she left her glasses before being killed.
He also revealed that he turned down a post-slap Super Bowl commercial offer.
Social media took issue with the comparison.
Last May, ABC President of Entertainment Craig Erwich expressed an openness to see Rock return to the Oscars in 2023 as host. Rock has previously hosted the Oscars in 2005 and 2016.
The Los Angeles Times reached out to the Academy, but they did not respond to a request for comment on Monday.
