For Chris Rock, returning to the 2023 Academy Awards would be like returning to the crime scene.
The 57-year-old comedian told audiences on Comedy Phoenix Sunday that he was asked to run next year’s event — but turned down the opportunity.
according to Arizona Republicthe alum titled “Everybody Hates Chris” told the audience that returning to the Oscars would be tantamount to asking Nicole Brown Simpson to “go back to the restaurant” where she left her glasses before she was killed, referring to the murder trial of OJ Simpson, who was acquitted in the case.
The rejected hosting duties were to come a year after Will Smith, 53, took to the stage on March 27 and Slap him at the Oscars To make a joke about his wife, Jada Pinkett Smith, About Appearing Like “GI Jane” Because of her bald head.
The Post has reached out to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for comment.
Rock also claimed he was offered – and declined – a Super Bowl ad after being slapped.
In May, ABC Entertainment President Craig Eric Deadline said He was open to rocking back as host next year. The executive said the selection would certainly boost ratings.
“Obviously there has been a lot of controversy [surrounding this year’s broadcast]which overshadowed a lot of positive things about the show, but I was really happy with the show,” Eric stated. “It was the biggest throwback of any awards show this season.”
The Rock previously hosted the Academy Awards twice: in 2005 and again in 2016.
But according to Smith, Rock is still “not ready” to talk head-on about countering the 2022 offensive. Instead, on July 29, the “King Richard” star A public apology to Rock In a YouTube video of about six minutes long.
“So I’m going to tell you, Chris, I apologize to you,” he said with apparent remorse. “My behavior was unacceptable, and I am here whenever I am ready to speak.”
Rock remained silent about the incident, with Except for some comedy shows in the past months.
“Yeah, it hurts, mom — but I shook it and went to work the next day,” he announced while performing alongside Kevin Hart and Dave Chappelle at Madison Square Garden in July. “Anyone who says ‘words hurt’ has never been punched in the face.”
“I’m not a victim, mom,” the “Grown Ups” star declared the next day in Holmdel, New Jersey. “I don’t go to the hospital for paper cutting.”
The 2023 Academy Awards will be held on March 12th.
