Will Smith 'still hates' Chris Rock 3 years after Oscar slap: report

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It's the slap heard around the world. And apparently its echoes still resonate almost two years later.

Yes, as we prepare for the 2025 Oscar nominees to be announced, many are remembering what might be the most memorable moment in awards show history.

We're talking, of course, about the time Will Smith slapped Chris Rock after the comedian made a joke about Will's wife, Jada Pinkett Smith.

American actor Will Smith slaps American actor Chris Rock on stage during the 94th Academy Awards at the Dolby Theater in Hollywood, California, March 27, 2022. (Photo by ROBYN BECK/AFP via Getty Images)

Will Smith Still Holds a Grudge, Claims Insider

Will didn't suffer many consequences from this slap. In fact, he won his first Oscar about an hour later.

He's been banned from the Oscars for 10 years, but we doubt he'll be terribly upset about this slap (pardon the pun) on the wrist.

However, despite the fact that Smith's career has rebounded well — last year Bad Boys: Ride or Die grossed over $210 million, proving that Will is still a draw at the box office – it seems he still holds a grudge against Chris.

Actors Chris Rock and Will Smith arrive at the premiere of Hustle and Flow at the Cinerama Done on July 20, 2005 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Mark Mainz/Getty Images)

“Will will have the last word and he loves it,” said a source close to the matter. In touch.

The source adds that Smith “will never forgive Chris for ruining his life, even though he has managed to pick up the pieces over the past year.”

The insider believes Will is still furious that the incident tarnished his reputation as a nice guy.

Will apologized to Chris in a video he shared in July 2022. But despite this act of contrition, the tipster insists Smith's feelings toward Rock haven't changed.

Will Smith approaches Chris Rock onstage during the 94th Academy Awards at the Dolby Theater in Hollywood, California on March 27, 2022. (Photo by ROBYN BECK/AFP via Getty Images)

“He still hates that guy and his smug attitude,” the source said.

Any hopes of reconciliation between the former friends could have been dashed by the stand-up special Chris released in March 2023.

At the end of the hour, Rock attacked the Smiths in a blistering takedown. And it hasn't escaped fans' notice that the special was filmed in Jada's hometown of Baltimore.

Unsurprisingly, Will was (apparently) less than pleased.

“Chris is not the victim here, not in Will’s opinion,” the source continues.

“A lot of people would agree with Will and think what's happening to Chris is karma for refusing to talk to Will or accept his apology.”

So it seems the Oscars' most infamous feud is far from over. No one knows if Chris will be at this year's ceremony – but if he is, he won't have to worry about another altercation with Will.

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