Chris Rock’s brother criticizes Will Smith, calling the album trash
More than three years have passed since the incident at the Oscars where Will Smith slapped Chris Rock, and the aftermath is still a topic of conversation. Smith recently referenced the altercation in his latest album, Based on a True Story, bringing the incident back into the spotlight. Tony Rock, Chris’s brother, didn’t hold back when discussing Smith’s album and the negative reception it has received.
Protective of his older brother, Tony has been vocal against Will Smith since the incident at the 94th Academy Awards. In an interview with TMZ, he criticized Smith’s album, admitting he hadn’t listened to it but calling it “a piece of shit.” Tony pointed out the irony of being told not to discuss the slap when Smith himself brought it up in his music, giving Tony the leeway to talk about it again.
Smith’s album features references to the slap in two tracks, with one song including voices commenting on the incident and declaring “Will Smith is canceled.” Critics have reacted negatively to the album compared to Smith’s previous work, with some citing the references to the altercation as a poor selling point. Despite his harsh criticism, Tony Rock did acknowledge that Smith’s earlier work, like “Brand New Funk,” was commendable.
After the incident, Smith publicly apologized to Chris Rock through social media, expressing regret over the damage done to their relationship. Chris, in his stand-up special, Selective Outrage, critiqued Will Smith and his wife. Despite varied reports about a possible reconciliation between Rock and Smith, Tony Rock believes that their friendship is irreparable, stating, “They ain’t friends, they ain’t gonna be friends.”
While anything is possible in the future, it appears that the relationship between Smith and Rock remains strained, with Tony refusing to even listen to Smith’s music. The fallout from the Oscars slap continues to be a divisive topic, highlighting the ongoing tension between the two individuals involved.