Chris Rock returns to Vanity Fair Oscars Party for first time since 2022 slap incident

Comedian and actor Chris Rock has made his return to the Oscars social scene. He attended the Vanity Fair Oscars Party on March 2, 2025, his first time at the event since the 2022 'slap gate' incident with actor Will Smith.

The annual Beverly Hills afterparty was hosted by Vanity Fair editor-in-chief, Radhika Jones. It saw Chris Rock appear in a black tuxedo, white shirt, and black shoes. He was accompanied by his youngest daughter, Zahra Rock.

His public return at major Academy-related events followed the shocking moment when Will Smith slapped him live onstage at the 94th Academy Awards. The incident was triggered by a joke Chris made about Jada Pinkett Smith. The slapping incident led to Smith’s ten-year ban from the Oscars.

At the Vanity Fair party, Rock reportedly appeared to be in high spirits. He engaged in conversations with David Spade, Mick Jagger, Timothée Chalamet, and others, People Magazine reports. However, Will Smith was absent, as he remains barred from all Academy events until 2032.

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More about the 2022 Oscars slap on Chris Rock

While presenting the Best Documentary Feature award at the Oscars on March 27, 2022, Chris Rock made a joke referencing Jada Pinkett Smith’s shaved head. He compared her to Demi Moore in G.I. Jane. On the other hand, Jada had been publicly open about her struggle with alopecia, a medical condition causing hair loss.

Will Smith was initially seen laughing at the joke. However, he suddenly walked onto the stage and slapped Chris across the face. As a stunned audience watched, Smith returned to his seat and shouted twice:

"Keep my wife’s name out your f**ing mouth!"

The incident arguably overshadowed the night. Will Smith later won Best Actor for King Richard. His acceptance speech included apologies to the Academy and fellow nominees, but not to Rock. A day later, Smith issued a public apology. He called his behavior "unacceptable and inexcusable."

As per WION, Will stated in the apology note:

"Violence in all of its forms is poisonous and destructive. My behavior at last night’s Academy Awards was unacceptable and inexcusable. Jokes at my expense are part of the job, but a joke about Jada’s medical condition was too much for me to bear and I reacted emotionally."

He continued:

"I would like to publicly apologize to you, Chris. I was out of line and I was wrong. I am embarrassed and my actions were not indicative of the man I want to be. There is no place for violence in a world of love and kindness. I would also like to apologize to the Academy, the producers of the show, all the attendees and everyone watching around the world,” Smith continued at the time. “I would like to apologize to the Williams Family and my King Richard Family. I deeply regret that my behavior has stained what has been an otherwise gorgeous journey for all of us. I am a work in progress."

On the other hand, at this year’s Vanity Fair party, Chris Rock was asked about the 2022 incident and his stance on a potential return to the Oscars stage. As per E! News reports, he said:

"I live in forgiveness. True love starts at forgiveness. This is what I would say: the most miserable people on earth are people that can’t forgive. And not just people, you have to forgive yourself sometimes. So, hey, you never know."

Chris Rock previously hosted the Oscars in 2005 and 2016. He had reportedly declined an offer to host the ceremony in 2023.

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Also Read: What happened at the 2025 Oscars afterparty when a 3.9-magnitude earthquake hit L.A.?