Almost a year has passed since Will Smith’s widely talked-about slap to Chris Rock at the 2022 Oscars, but it appears that the two have yet to move on from the incident. In his latest Netflix comedy special, “Selective Outrage,” Chris Rock took some shots at Smith, and sources have revealed that the “Emancipation” actor is still bothered by it. Unfortunately, it seems that the chances of reconciliation between the two are unlikely at this point.
Will Smith has expressed his dissatisfaction with Chris Rock’s recent Netflix special, “Tamborine,” in which Rock made jokes about Smith’s marriage to Jada Pinkett Smith. Smith called the jokes “insulting” and said that they were “below the belt.”
In the special, Rock joked about Smith’s marriage, saying that Smith’s wife, Jada Pinkett Smith, was “talking about her relationship, and it’s like, ‘Hey, Jada, I heard Tupac is still alive. Call me.’” The joke alluded to the rumors that Pinkett Smith had an intimate relationship with Tupac Shakur before he was killed in 1996.
Smith responded to the joke in an interview with The Breakfast Club, saying, “It was like, ‘That’s your genius? That’s your genius? You’re gonna tell a joke and use my wife’s name? You’re gonna put that out in the world?’”
Smith went on to say that he had a conversation with Rock about the joke, and that Rock had apologized for it. However, Smith said that he still found the joke to be “insulting,” and that it was “below the belt.”
Smith and Pinkett Smith have been married since 1997, and have been open about their relationship in the past. However, Smith said that he felt that the joke was disrespectful to his wife and to their marriage.
Smith’s comments have sparked a debate about the role of comedy in addressing sensitive topics such as marriage and relationships. Some argue that comedy is a form of social commentary, and that comedians should be free to joke about any topic, regardless of how sensitive it may be.
Others, however, argue that comedy can be hurtful and that comedians should be mindful of the impact their jokes may have on others. In the case of Rock’s joke about Smith’s marriage, some argue that it was insensitive and unnecessary.
The debate over the role of comedy in addressing sensitive topics is not a new one. Comedians have long been criticized for making jokes about topics such as race, gender, and sexuality. Some argue that such jokes can perpetuate harmful stereotypes and contribute to a culture of intolerance.
Others, however, argue that comedy can be a powerful tool for addressing sensitive topics and promoting social change. They point to comedians such as Richard Pryor and Dave Chappelle, who have used their humor to raise awareness about issues such as racism and police brutality.
In conclusion, Will Smith’s criticism of Chris Rock’s joke about his marriage to Jada Pinkett Smith has sparked a debate about the role of comedy in addressing sensitive topics. While some argue that comedy can be a powerful tool for promoting social change, others argue that comedians should be mindful of the impact their jokes may have on others. Regardless of where one falls on this debate, it is clear that comedy has the power to provoke strong emotions and to spark important discussions about the issues that matter most to us.
