A glimpse into Will Smith and Chris Rock’s long-running feud: The comedian first made fun of the actor’s wife, Jada, at the 2016 Oscars, mocking him for being friends with his ex
- Will Smith shocked Oscars viewers when he slapped Chris Rock on Sunday
- But the comedian has teased Will about his personal life for years
- Chris previously poked fun at Jada while hosting the Oscars in 2016
- He also attacked Will on social media for his friendship with his ex-wife in 2018
Will Smith slapping Chris Rock at the Oscars left the audience and viewers at home in a state of shock.
But it’s not the first time the movie star has been angered by the comedian.
In fact, a feud has been brewing between the pair over the past five years, thanks to repeated jokes made at Will’s expense.
While hosting the Oscars in 2016, Chris got into trouble with the actor when he used Will’s wife Jada Pinkett Smith as joke material in his opening monologue.
The Beef of Will Smith and Chris Rock Explained: The comedian first made jokes about the actor’s wife, Jada, and taunted him about exes at the 2016 Oscars
In an opening statement on Variety, Chris, 57, poked fun at Jada, 50, for boycotting the Oscars when Will didn’t receive a nomination for the film Concussion.
“Jada got angry and said she wasn’t coming. Jada boycotting the Oscars is like me boycotting Rihanna’s panties. I wasn’t invited,’ said Chris.
‘You get angry. It’s not fair that Will did so well and wasn’t nominated. It’s also not fair that Will was paid $20 million for Wild Wild West.
“Things will be a little different this year at the Oscars. In the “In memoriam” package it will only be black people who were shot by the police on the way to the cinema. Yes, I said so, alright?’
First blow: In his opening monologue on Variety, Chris, 57, poked fun at Jada, 50, for boycotting the Oscars when Will didn’t receive a nomination for concussion (pictured; 2016)
After the dig, TMZ had reached out to Will for comment, but he remained silent and refused to respond.
But Chris’ jibes didn’t stop there.
Adding further fire to her beef in 2018, Chris posted a controversial comment about the actor on social media that shed light on his previous marriage.
Stunned: Will Smith beating Chris Rock at the Oscars left audiences and viewers at home in a state of shock
Will had posted a photo wishing his ex-wife, Sheree Zampino, a happy birthday, and Chris posted a comment that went viral.
‘Happy Bday, @shereezampino. #BestBabyMamaEver! 🙂 Love you Ree-Ree,” Will wrote alongside a photo of Sheree and her son Trey.
Chris then commented: “Wow. You have a very understanding wife.”
Sheree then responded to Chris and replied, “Don’t hate.”
History: Chris previously poked fun at Jada while hosting the Oscars in 2016
The exchange made headlines at the time considering Chris had targeted Jada and Will during the 2016 Oscars.
On Sunday night, however, Will finally seemed to have had enough after Chris cracked a ‘GI Jane’ joke about Jada’s shaved haircut.
Will, visibly emotional, walked back to his seat after punching Chris and yelled, “Keep my wife’s name out of your friggin’ mouth.”
Following the incident, Will and Jada reportedly held hands throughout the ceremony.
The couple’s open relationship was apparently a trigger for Will, as it had sparked chaotic conversations at various star-studded events, prompting the actor to insist there had “never been any infidelity” in their marriage.