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Chris Rock joked about the Oscars drama just hours after Will Smith apologized to the comedian on camera on Friday, nearly four months after Smith stormed the Oscars stage and punched Rock live in the air as he presented an award at the 2022 ceremony.
During a performance at Atlanta’s Fox Theater as part of his “Ego Death World Tour,” Rock Smith compared none to former Death Row Records co-founder Marion “Suge” Knight, who is currently serving a 28-year sentence after pleading no Competing for voluntary manslaughter in 2018 after a deadly confrontation in Los Angeles in 2015.
“Everybody’s trying to be a damn victim,” Rock said of People magazine. “If everyone claims to be a victim, no one will hear the real victims. Even I get beat up by Suge Smith…I went to work the next day, I have kids.”
WILL SMITH OPENS ON CHRIS ROCK OSCARS SLAP
At the height of his career in the ’90s, Knight was known for being associated with the massive success of Dr. Dre’s “The Chronic,” followed by Snoop Dogg’s “Doggystyle” in 1993, putting West Coast rap on the map. Shortly thereafter, he helped broker a deal to secure Tupac Shakur’s release from prison and subsequent signing to the label with his 1996-released All Eyez on Me.
“Anyone who says words hurt has never been slapped in the face,” he added, words he repeated on a previous show while recently touring with Kevin Hart on Only Headliners Allowed.
Chris Rock joked that he was beaten by “Suge Smith” at the Oscars after Will Smith apologized on camera on Friday. (Getty Images)
Known for his music as well as his temper, Knight was reportedly the leader of a string of violent deals. Shakur was in Knight’s car when he was killed in a drive-by attack in Las Vegas in September 1996. A similar drive-by shooting killed Shakur’s East Coast rival, The Notorious BIG, in March 1997, with Knight considered the prime suspect. Knight was convicted of armed robbery and assault and lost control of the label when it was forced into bankruptcy in 2009.
“I’m not a victim. Yes, that s— hurts, motherf—er. But I shook off the s— and went to work the next day. I don’t go to the hospital for a paper cut,” he said Rock reported the crowd in New Jersey last week via Us Weekly.
Smith shared a video on YouTube where he answers everyone’s most frequently asked questions, including why he didn’t apologize to Rock during his acceptance speech. After Smith took the stage and slapped Rock for telling a joke about Jada Pinkett Smith, he won Best Actor for his role in King Richard.
“I was foggy at that point,” Smith admitted, not immediately apologizing to Rock. “It’s all blurry.”
The late Tupac Shakur and Marion “Suge” Knight were pictured in 1996. Knight is currently serving a 28-year sentence after pleading no plea to voluntary manslaughter in 2018. (Jeff Kravitz)
CHRIS ROCK ADDRESSES WILL BEAT SMITH OSCARS DURING COMEDY TOUR WITH KEVIN HART: ‘I’M NOT A VICTIM’
The ‘Gemini Man’ actor revealed he reached out to Rock to discuss the incident, but claimed the comedian was unwilling to sit down with him. He also spent the 5-minute video apologizing to Rock and others – including Rose Rock.
“I want to apologize to Chris’ mother,” Smith said. “I saw an interview that Chris’ mother did and that was one of the things in that moment. I just didn’t realize it and, you know, I wasn’t thinking, but how many people got hurt in that moment,” the actor explained.
Rose initially said after the slap, “When Will hit Chris, he hit us all, but he really hit me.”
“So I want to apologize to Chris’ mom,” Smith continued. “I want to apologize to Chris’ family. Especially with Tony Rock [Chris’ younger brother]. You know we had a great relationship. Tony Rock was my man. And that’s probably irreparable.”
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Will Smith meets Chris Rock on stage while presenting the award for Best Documentary at the Oscars on March 27, 2022 in Los Angeles. (Chris Pizzallo)
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Rock had made a joke about “GI Jane” and referred to Jada’s bald head. Pinkett Smith previously opened up about her struggles with alopecia, an autoimmune condition that causes hair loss.
Days later, the “Independence Day” star announced his retirement from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in a statement to Fox News Digital, saying he had “betrayed the Academy’s trust.”
“I responded directly to the Academy’s disciplinary hearing and will fully accept any consequences for my conduct,” he said.
After his resignation, which was accepted by the Academy, Smith was banned from attending Oscar events and shows for 10 years.
Fox News’ Lauryn Overhultz contributed to this report.
Tracy Wright is an entertainment writer for Fox News Digital. Send story tips to [email protected].