Actors Chris Rock and Will Smith arrive to the premiere of Hustle and Flow at the Cinerama Done on July 20, 2005 in Hollywood, California.

Will Smith ‘Still Hates’ Chris Rock 3 Years After Oscars Slap: Report

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It was the slap that was heard around the world. And apparently its echoes still reverberate nearly two years later.

Yes, as we prepare for the announcement of the 2025 Oscar nominees, many are looking back at what may be the most memorable moment in the history of the awards show.

We’re talking, of course, about the moment Will Smith punched Chris Rock after the comic made a joke about Will’s wife, Jada Pinkett Smith.

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

Will Smith still holds a grudge, insider claims

Will has not suffered many consequences as a result of the slap. In fact, he won his first Oscar about an hour later.

He got a 10-year ban from the Oscars, but we doubt he’s terribly upset about the slap (pardon the pun) on the wrist.

But despite the fact that Smith’s career rose nicely – last year Bad Boys: Ride or Die grossed over $210 million, proving that Will is still a box office hit — looks like he still holds a grudge against Chris.

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

“Will gets the last laugh and loves it,” an insider close to the situation says In contact.

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

The insider believes that 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 remorse, the insider 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. Will Smith approaches Chris Rock onstage during the 94th Academy Awards at the Dolby Theater in Hollywood, California on March 27, 2022.
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 the guy and his smug attitude,” the insider says.

Any hope of a 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 went off on Smiths in a blistering takedown. And it wasn’t lost on fans that the special was shot in Jada’s hometown of Baltimore.

Unsurprisingly, Will was (reportedly) 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 that what’s happening to Chris is karma for refusing to talk to Will or accept his apology.”

So it looks like the Oscars’ most infamous feud is far from over. It’s anyone’s guess whether Chris will be in attendance at this year’s ceremony — but if he is, he won’t have to worry about another meeting with Will.

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