Will Smith is currently on a press tour for the new film “Emancipation” and of course, he’s answering questions about his infamous Chris Rock-Oscars slap.
During an interview with Fox News DC reporter Kevin Mccarthy, the star was asked to share his message with anyone who might be hesitant to see the movie because of the incident where he super-slapped Chris Rock on stage… after a joke about his wife Jada Pinkett Smith.
The 54-year-old said, “I completely understand that. If someone is not ready, I would absolutely respect that and allow them their space to not be ready,” Smith said back to McCarthy. “My deepest concern is my team. [Director Antoine Fuqua] I think has done what I think is his greatest work of his entire career.” He went on to say,
“My deepest hope is that my actions don’t penalize my team. At this point, that’s what I’m working for, that’s what I’m hoping for,” he continued. “I’m hoping that the material, the power of the film, the timeliness of the story, I’m hoping that the good that can be done would open people’s hearts at a minimum to see and recognize and support the incredible artists in and around this film.”
How Has Chris Rock Been Holding Up Since Then?
Chris Rock didn’t talk much about it after it all went down. However, back in July, he finally addressed the slap during a comedy show at PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel, N.J. Rock explained at the time that he is not a victim, but joked that it hurt getting slapped by Smith on the Oscar stage.
“Anyone who says words hurt has never been punched in the face,” Rock said, later adding, “I’m not a victim. Yeah, that s— hurt, motherf—. But I shook that s— off and went to work the next day. I don’t go to the hospital for a paper cut.”
What Is The New Movie Emancipation About?
Based on the true story of Gordon (named “Peter” in the film), a former slave, whose photographs of his bare back, heavily scarred from whippings, were published worldwide in 1863 and started the abolitionist movement as they finally proof of the cruelty of American slavery.
Will Smith plays Peter in the film, the character who tries his best to fight for his freedom and his family’s. Emancipation is Smith’s first film since his Oscar incident and win earlier this year and has already garnered praise. Here is everything you need to know about Emancipation.
The upcoming film also stars Ben Foster as Fassel, Steven Ogg as Sergeant Howard, Charmaine Bingwa as Dodienne, Gilbert Owuor as Gordon, Mustafa Shakir as Andre Cailloux, and Grant Harvey as Leeds.
The film is scheduled to be released in select cinemas on December 2, 2022, before its streaming release on December 9, 2022, by Apple TV+.
Press Play Below For More:
RELATED: Chris Rock Reacts To Will Smith’s Public Apology Following Oscars Slap: ‘F*ck Your Hostage Video’