Tensions are flaring up once again between Chris Rock and Will Smith—this time over Smith’s new music, which allegedly includes veiled references to their infamous Oscars altercation.
Smith recently returned to the spotlight with his album Based on a True Story, marking his comeback to rap. But according to insiders, some of the lyrics appear to poke fun at the controversial 2022 Oscars incident, where Smith slapped Rock live on stage after a joke was made about Jada Pinkett Smith.
Sources close to Rock say the comedian is far from amused by the subtle nods to the moment. “Chris is beyond frustrated. He sees Will parading around, talking about growth and healing, while simultaneously turning the slap into a punchline,” a source told RadarOnline.com.
The insider added, “It’s hard for Chris to take any of Will’s public apologies seriously when he continues to joke about the incident, whether in music or movies.”
Another source claimed Rock views Smith’s behavior as a carefully crafted performance. “To Chris, this isn’t growth—it’s image management. He feels Will is playing the victim and using the situation for publicity.”
The frustration reportedly runs so deep that Rock has also taken a jab at Smith’s musical efforts, calling the new songs “painful to listen to.”
The original confrontation took place during the 2022 Oscars ceremony when Rock made a comment about Jada’s shaved head—unaware at the time that she suffered from alopecia. Smith’s reaction shocked audiences and led to serious repercussions, including a 10-year ban from all Academy events and his resignation from the Academy.
While Smith claims to be on a journey of personal reflection, Rock is reportedly not buying it—and it doesn’t look like their rift is healing anytime soon.
