After months of speculation and discussion about the consequences of Will Smith’s infamous slap on Chris Rock during the 2022 Oscars, the comedian has finally publicly addressed the $40 million lawsuit he filed against the “King Richard” actor. This episode was a milestone not only for both men’s careers, but also for the entertainment industry in general, sparking heated discussions about the limits of comedy, respect and the boundaries of public action.

The incident happened during the 2022 Oscars live broadcast, when Chris Rock made a joke about Will Smith’s wife Jada Pinkett Smith’s shaved head. The joke referenced Jada’s medical condition, alopecia, which causes hair loss. Upon noticing his wife’s negative reaction, Will Smith went on stage and slapped Rock, saying: “Get my wife’s name out of your mouth!” This gesture sent shockwaves through the audience and became one of the most talked about and debated moments in Oscar history.

In the months that followed, Smith’s act of violence was widely condemned, but the issue continued to be discussed from a variety of perspectives. Chris Rock, known for his acerbic humor and observations on society, initially remained silent about the incident, preferring to focus on his professional projects and his comedy tour. However, in late 2024, the comedian decided to break his silence and speak openly about the lawsuit against Smith.

In a recent interview, Rock revealed that his decision to sue Will Smith for assault was motivated not only by the personal harm he suffered, but also by the message the situation sent to the public and society at large. “When someone does something like this, it’s important that there are consequences,” Rock said. “It’s not about money, it’s about respect and the need to set clear boundaries. Will’s actions were not acceptable, and I needed to do something to make that understood.”

Chris also explained that the $40 million lawsuit was not an attempt to enrich himself, but rather a way to get justice. “I have the right to do my job, to express myself as a comedian, and no one has the right to assault or intimidate me for that,” Rock said. He also spoke about the emotional impact the slap had on his life, affecting his self-esteem and his perception of safety in the workplace.

Despite the lawsuit being widely discussed in the media, Chris Rock has stressed that he and Will Smith never reached an out-of-court settlement. The comedian has also declined to comment on any potential reconciliation between them, preferring to focus on his own well-being and the ongoing legal proceedings.

Regarding his career, Chris Rock said that the incident did not harm his trajectory. On the contrary, he mentioned that his stand-up show “Ego Death” was a great success and that the support of his fans was invaluable during this difficult time. “I kept going, because life doesn’t stop,” said Rock with his characteristic sarcastic tone.

The Chris Rock vs. Will Smith situation continues to be one of the most controversial topics in pop culture. While Smith was banned from the Oscars for ten years, Rock chose to maintain his professional integrity and seek justice through the legal system. The wait for a possible resolution of the case continues, but Chris Rock’s courage in facing this lawsuit provides an important lesson about the limits of comedy and respect for others, especially when it comes to matters of health and personal dignity.

The case has yet to be fully resolved in court, but Rock’s words show he is determined to fight for what he believes is right, whether onstage or off.