The 2022 Academy Awards will forever be remembered for one of the most shocking moments in Hollywood history—the infamous slap.
Will Smith striking Chris Rock on live television was a moment of chaos, but while most discussions focused on Smith’s actions, it seems Chris Rock may still be harboring resentment towards another key player: the Academy itself.
Recent reports suggest that Rock hasn’t just held a grudge against Smith, but also against the Oscars, believing that the organization may have had a hand in how the incident played out.
Whether true or not, his apparent distrust of the Academy is now raising new questions about whether he will ever return to its stage.
For many, the slap seemed like an unplanned, spontaneous act—a moment of pure emotion and impulse. However, insiders claim that Rock has his doubts.
Allegedly, he believes the Academy may have had some level of influence over the situation, whether through its handling of the aftermath or through behind-the-scenes decisions that may have escalated tensions.
One of the biggest points of contention was the Academy’s reaction immediately after the incident. There were conflicting reports about whether Smith was asked to leave the ceremony.
Some sources claimed officials wanted him gone, while others suggested that no decisive action was taken. Ultimately, Smith remained, received his Best Actor award, and even got a standing ovation from some attendees.
From Rock’s perspective, this may have felt like the Academy was complicit in downplaying the situation. If the organization had acted more decisively—perhaps escorting Smith out or at least making a strong statement—would things have played out differently?
This isn’t the first time Chris Rock has had a complicated relationship with the Academy Awards. As a two-time Oscars host, he has openly criticized Hollywood’s elite in the past.
His 2016 monologue famously called out the lack of diversity in nominations, making him one of the most outspoken critics of the institution.
Given this history, it’s not entirely surprising that he might suspect some behind-the-scenes maneuvering regarding the slap incident.
Whether he truly believes in an Academy conspiracy or simply feels that the organization mishandled the moment, the result is clear—Rock is not interested in making amends with the Oscars anytime soon.
Following the incident, there were rumors that the Academy had reached out to Rock, possibly hoping to bring him back as a host in a future ceremony. But Rock was reportedly uninterested.
He even joked during a stand-up show that hosting the Oscars again would be like “returning to the scene of a crime.” The metaphor speaks volumes—he doesn’t see the event as just another award show, but as the place where he was humiliated in front of the world, with little support from those in charge.
Rock’s refusal to return could be seen as his personal form of protest. He may believe that by stepping back onto the Oscars stage, he would be validating the organization’s handling of the situation—a move he seems unwilling to make.
Public opinion on Rock’s alleged grudge is divided. Some feel that his frustration is understandable.
“Imagine being attacked on stage in front of millions and the event just continues like nothing happened,” one fan commented online. “I don’t blame him for feeling some type of way about the Oscars.”
Others, however, believe Rock is reading too much into the situation.
“The Academy can’t control what happened. It wasn’t their fault. Holding a grudge against them doesn’t make sense,” another social media user noted.
Regardless of opinion, one thing is clear—Rock has not let go of what happened, and he certainly doesn’t seem interested in forgiving the Academy anytime soon.
The Oscars have tried to move on from the slap incident, banning Will Smith for ten years and attempting to restore their image. However, with Chris Rock still holding resentment, the controversy remains alive in Hollywood discussions.
As for Rock himself, he seems to be doing just fine without the Academy. His comedy specials continue to thrive, and he has successfully turned the slap into material for his stand-up routines.
Whether or not the Academy will ever officially address his concerns remains to be seen. But for now, one thing is certain—Chris Rock is not interested in an Oscars comeback, and his grudge against the institution may be just as strong as his feelings about the slap itself.
