Chris Rock Jokes About Will Smith While Addressing Cancel Culture At Stand-Up Show

Chris Rock reportedly made a joke about Will Smith during a bit about 'cancel culture,' quipping that 'anyone who says words hurt has never been punched in the face.'

Chris Rock recently took the stage at New York City’s Madison Square Garden for his and Kevin Hart’s co-headlining Only Headliners Allowed comedy tour. During the show, Rock made a joke about being slapped by Will Smith during the Oscars 2022. “Chris Rock and Kevin Hart’s show at Madison Square Garden ‘was the best night in comedy,'” the source tells Entertainment Tonight.

The source added to the outlet, “Chris made a joke about Will during a bit about ‘cancel culture,’ joking that ‘anyone who says words hurt has never been punched in the face.” In the months following the incident that saw Smith rush the stage and slap Rock during the live telecast of the Academy Awards, as the comedian made a joke about his wife, Jada Pinkett Smith, Rock made some jokes about the incident.

However, Saturday’s performance also included a surprise opening by controversial comedian Dave Chappelle. “Chapelle was a surprise opener and when he walked out, everyone went nuts,” the source said to the outlet. During his 20-minute set, the comedian joked about being tackled onstage during the ‘Netflix Is a Joke’ comedy festival and about a venue in Minneapolis asking his performance to be moved to another location following backlash from residents.

Chappelle said in the video from the event, “Despite what you may have read about in the news, I’m OK, and I appreciate the support.” Following the performance, which was also attended by JAY-Z, Chris Rock’s brother, Tony Rock, Questlove and a host of other celebrities, Rock, was joined by his girlfriend, Lake Bell, and his children, during an evening at Catch. The source said, “After the show they partied until 1 a.m. at Catch NYC.” The insider continues, “Lake Bell was there and so were Chris’ daughters.”

The insider added, “They were hanging out and having a good time together! Everyone was still riding the high from the amazing show!” Chris Rock and Lake Bell were previously seen together when they walked out for dinner in Santa Monica, California. The comedian and actress were spotted outside Giorgio Baldi’s restaurant wearing elegant clothing. They didn’t hold hands outside, but they strolled close to one other and seemed calm and happy to be hanging out with each other.

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