<\/p>\n
Comedian Chris Rock has hinted at how Will Smith\u2019s Oscar slap has possibly left him traumatised as he explained why he refused an offer to host next year\u2019s award ceremony.<\/p>\n
During his stand-up comedy show in Phoenix, Arizona, the 57-year-old addressed the slap again, reports aceshowbiz.com.<\/p>\n
According to The Arizona Republic, the \u201cSaturday Night Live\u201d alum said he had been asked to host the upcoming Academy Awards ceremony, but he turned down the offer, comparing returning to the event to returning to a crime scene, reports aceshowbiz.<\/p>\n
Rock allegedly referenced the murder trial of OJ Simpson, who was accused of killing his former wife Nicole Brown Simpson but later acquitted.<\/p>\n
During the trial, it was argued that her murder began by Nicole leaving a pair of glasses at an Italian restaurant. Rock said returning to the award ceremony would be like asking Nicole \u201cto go back to the restaurant\u201d.<\/p>\n
He also said he received an offer to do a Super Bowl commercial following the incident, but he \u201cprofanely\u201d refused as well.<\/p>\n
While Rock has not formally addressed the slap, he didn\u2019t shy away from the topic during his tour. When he mentioned how a person could get famous for being a victim, someone in the sold-out concert asked Rock to \u201ctalk about it\u201d.<\/p>\n
Responding to the inquiry, the \u201cGrown Ups\u201d star said the blow from Smith hurt.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe\u2019s bigger than me,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe state of Nevada would not sanction a fight between me and Will Smith.\u201d<\/p>\n
Smith has apologised again for slapping Rock at the March ceremony after the latter joked about Jada Pinkett Smith\u2019s shaved head.<\/p>\n
In a video, the 53 year old said he was \u201cdeeply remorseful\u201d and claimed: \u201cI\u2019ve reached out to Chris and the message that came back is that he\u2019s not ready to talk and when he is, he will reach out. So I will say to you, Chris, \u2018I apologise to you\u2019. My behaviour was unacceptable and I\u2019m here whenever you are ready to talk.\u201d<\/p>\n
Smith also apologised to Rock\u2019s mother and entire family, saying: \u201cI just didn\u2019t realise how many people got hurt in that moment, so I want to apologise to Chris\u2019s mother. I want to apologise.\u201d<\/p>\n
Rock has not responded to Smith\u2019s public apology.<\/p>\n