Chris Rock gets standing ovations in Boston in first show since Oscars slap
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By Bob D'Angelo, Cox Media Group National Content Desk
BOSTON — Comedian Chris Rock received a pair of standing ovations Wednesday night in his first appearance since actor Will Smith slapped him during the 2022 Academy Awards ceremony.
“I don’t have a bunch of (expletive) about what happened (Sunday), so if you came to hear that, I have a whole show I wrote before this weekend,” Rock told the audience. “I’m still kind of processing what happened. So, at some point, I’ll talk about that (expletive). And it will be serious and funny.”
Warning: Video and Instagram post below contains obscenities.
Rock did not directly mention the Oscars ceremony, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences or Smith.
Wednesday’s appearance was the first stop for Rock’s Ego Death Tour, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Ticket sales for the tour, which will continue through the fall, have soared since Sunday’s incident.
According to a statement by the Academy earlier Wednesday, Smith broke the organization’s code of conduct on Sunday when he approached the stage after Rock made a joke about Smith’s wife, Jada Pinkett Smith, and slapped the comedian. According to the Academy, Smith was asked to leave the ceremony but refused, The Associated Press reported.
Rock, a presenter at the Academy Awards, was awarding an Oscar for best documentary feature, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
He was confronted by Smith after the actor reacted negatively to the comedian’s “G.I. Jane 2″ joke about his wife, Jada Pinkett Smith, according to the AP. Smith walked onstage and appeared to strike Rock.
Pinkett Smith has a shaved head and suffers from alopecia, a hair-loss condition, according to the AP.
After returning to his seat in the audience, Smith shouted, “Keep my wife’s name out of your (expletive) mouth,” Variety reported.
Smith, who later won an Oscar for best actor for his role in “King Richard,” returned to the stage and apologized to the Academy during his acceptance speech, the AP reported.
Smith apologized to Rock on Monday.
On Wednesday, Smith was given 15 days’ notice of a vote regarding his violations and possible sanctions and has the chance to provide a written response, the Academy said in its statement. The next board meeting is scheduled for April 18, Variety reported.
Photos: Chris Rock performs in Boston in first show since Will Smith Oscars slap Chris Rock, center, arrives at the Wilbur Theater before a performance, Wednesday, March 30, 2022, in Boston. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
Photos: Chris Rock performs in Boston in first show since Will Smith Oscars slap Chris Rock, center, arrives at the Wilbur Theater before a performance, Wednesday, March 30, 2022, in Boston. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
Photos: Chris Rock performs in Boston in first show since Will Smith Oscars slap Chris Rock, left, arrives at the Wilbur Theater before a performance, Wednesday, March 30, 2022, in Boston. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
Photos: Chris Rock performs in Boston in first show since Will Smith Oscars slap The marquee advertises Chris Rock outside the Wilbur Theater, Wednesday, March 30, 2022, in Boston. (AP Photo/Mary Schwalm)
Photos: Chris Rock performs in Boston in first show since Will Smith Oscars slap Chris Rock arrives at the Wilbur Theater before a performance, Wednesday, March 30, 2022, in Boston. (AP Photo/Mary Schwalm)
Photos: Chris Rock performs in Boston in first show since Will Smith Oscars slap Chris Rock arrives at the Wilbur Theatre before a performance, Wednesday, March 30, 2022, in Boston. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
Photos: Chris Rock performs in Boston in first show since Will Smith Oscars slap Ticket holders wait to enter the Wilbur Theatre for a performance by Chris Rock, Wednesday, March 30, 2022, in Boston. (AP Photo/Mary Schwalm)
Photos: Chris Rock performs in Boston in first show since Will Smith Oscars slap A florist delivers flowers addressed to Chris Rock at the Wilbur Theatre before a performance, Wednesday, March 30, 2022, in Boston. (AP Photo/Mary Schwalm)
Photos: Chris Rock performs in Boston in first show since Will Smith Oscars slap A person records video of the marquee advertising Chris Rock outside the Wilbur Theatre, Wednesday, March 30, 2022, in Boston. (AP Photo/Mary Schwalm)
Photos: Chris Rock performs in Boston in first show since Will Smith Oscars slap The marquee advertises Chris Rock as ticket holders wait to enter outside the Wilbur Theatre, Wednesday, March 30, 2022, in Boston. (AP Photo/Mary Schwalm)
Through the years Darryl McDaniels & Chris Rock (Photo by Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic) (Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic)
Through the years Chris Rock during "Saturday Night Live" Cast & Crew Party for 1990-1991 Season - September 29, 1990 at Tavern On The Green in New York City, New York, United States. (Photo by Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images) (Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty)
Through the years Host Chris Rock onstage during the 77th Annual Academy Awards on February 27, 2005 at the Kodak Theater in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images) (Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
Through the years Actor Chris Rock attends the Salvation Army and Safe Horizon very special 'Everybody Hates Chris' screening and holiday shopping spree at Target December 8, 2007 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. (Photo by Brad Barket/Getty Images) (Brad Barket/Getty Images)
Through the years Actor Chris Rock arrives at the premiere of Roadside Attractions' "Good Hair" on October 1, 2009 in Westwood, Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images) (Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images)
Through the years Comedian Chris Rock accepts the Outstanding Documentary award onstage during the 41st NAACP Image awards held at The Shrine Auditorium on February 26, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images for NAACP) (Kevin Winter)
Through the years Comedian Chris Rock arrive at Sony Pictures Releasing's "Death At A Funeral" premiere held at Arclight Cinema on April 12, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images) (Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images)
Through the years (L-R) Adam Sandler, comedian Chris Rock and actor David Spade pose backstage at Spike TV's 4th Annual "Guys Choice Awards" held at Sony Studios on June 5, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Christopher Polk/Getty Images) (Christopher Polk/Getty Images)
Through the years Chris Rock and Malaak Rock pose for photos during the 33rd Annual Kennedy Center Honors at the Kennedy Center Hall of States on December 5, 2010 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Kris Connor/Getty Images) (Kris Connor/Getty Images)
Through the years Comedian Chris Rock attends the 2nd annual Steve Harvey Foundation Gala at Cipriani, Wall Street on April 4, 2011 in New York City. (Photo by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images for The Steve Harvey Foundation) (Michael Loccisano)
Through the years Actor/comedian Chris Rock attends the after party on April 11, 2011 in New York City. (Photo by Jemal Countess/Getty Images) (Jemal Countess/Getty Images)
Through the years Chris Rock, Nelson George and Anthony Mackie attend the CAA Party In Association With Sheets Energy at Sugar on January 22, 2012 in Park City, Utah. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for CAA) (Dimitrios Kambouris)
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Through the years Actor Dwayne Johnson (L) and actor/comedian Chris Rock arrive at a Paramount Pictures and DreamWorks Animation event at Caesars Palace during the opening night of CinemaCon, the official convention of the National Association of Theatre Owners, April 23, 2012 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Johnson is promoting his upcoming movie, "G.I. Joe: Retaliation" and Rock is promoting his new animated film, "Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted." (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) (Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
Through the years Chris Rock attends the "What To Expect When You're Expecting" New York Screening at AMC Lincoln Square Theater on May 8, 2012 in New York City. (Photo by Simon Russell/Getty Images) (Simon Russell/Getty Images)
Through the years Chris Rock attends the "What To Expect When You're Expecting" New York Screening at AMC Lincoln Square Theater on May 8, 2012 in New York City. (Photo by Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images) (Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images)
Through the years Actors Ben Stiller, Jessica Chastain and Chris Rock attend the "Madagascar 3" photocall during the 65th Annual Cannes Film Festival on May 17, 2012 in Cannes, France. (Photo by Andreas Rentz/Getty Images) (Andreas Rentz/Getty Images)
Through the years Chris Rock gestures to actor Will Smith during Game Five of the Eastern Conference Semifinals in the 2012 NBA Playoffs on May 21, 2012 at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) (Elsa/Getty Images)
Through the years Actors Chris Rock (L) and Adam Sandler speak onstage during the 2013 MTV Movie Awards at Sony Pictures Studios on April 14, 2013 in Culver City, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) (Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
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Through the years (L-R) Zach Braff, Chris Rock and Donald Faison attend the "Wish I Was Here" screening at AMC Lincoln Square Theater on July 14, 2014 in New York City. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images) (Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images)
Through the years Actor/director Chris Rock, winner of Hollywood Comedy Film for 'Top Five,' poses in the press room during the 18th Annual Hollywood Film Awards at The Palladium on November 14, 2014 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images) (Jason Merritt/Getty Images)
Through the years Actor Chris Rock attends the 26th Annual Palm Springs International Film Festival Film Festival Awards Gala at Palm Springs Convention Center on January 3, 2015 in Palm Springs, California. (Photo by Vivien Killilea/Getty Images for PSIFF) (Vivien Killilea/Getty Images for PSIFF)
Through the years Host Chris Rock speaks onstage during the 88th Annual Academy Awards at the Dolby Theatre on February 28, 2016 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images) (Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
Through the years Adam Sandler (L) and Chris Rock attend the afterparty for the World Premiere of the Netflix film "The Week Of" at Tavern on the Green on April 23, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Monica Schipper/Getty Images for Netflix) (Monica Schipper/Getty Images for Netflix)
Through the years Chris Rock performs during the the Movement Voter Project comedy benefit at The Bell House on October 24, 2018 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. (Photo by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images for Movement Voter Project) (Michael Loccisano/Getty Images for Movement Voter )
Through the years Chris Rock of 'Fargo' attends the FX Networks' Star Walk Winter Press Tour 2020 at The Langham Huntington, Pasadena on January 09, 2020 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images) (Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images)
Through the years (L-R) Steve Martin and Chris Rock speak onstage during the 92nd Annual Academy Awards at Dolby Theatre on February 09, 2020 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images) (Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
Through the years Chris Rock speaks onstage during the 94th Annual Academy Awards at Dolby Theatre on March 27, 2022 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Neilson Barnard/Getty Images) (Neilson Barnard/Getty Images)
Through the years In this handout photo provided by A.M.P.A.S., Chris Rock is seen backstage during the 94th Annual Academy Awards at Dolby Theatre on March 27, 2022 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Al Seib
/A.M.P.A.S. via Getty Images) (Handout/A.M.P.A.S. via Getty Images)