Chelsea Handler Praises Chris Rock’s Behavior After Will Smith Hit Him

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With the event of Will Smith slapping Chris Rock being the topic on everyone’s lips recently, it’s only natural that other celebrities have had a word or two to say about it.

So, what does Chelsea Handler have to say about this shocking slap? Read on for more information!

Actress Connie Britton and Chelsea Handler arrive at CTAOP's Night Out 2021: Fast And FuriousActress Connie Britton and Chelsea Handler arrive at CTAOP’s Night Out 2021: Fast And Furious at Universal Studios Backlot on June 26, 2021, in Universal City, California (Credit: RobinLori / INSTARimages)

As an American comedian, writer, actress, TV presenter, and producer, Chelsea Handler is an incredibly successful woman who has explored her talents in a range of areas.

From 2007 to 2014, the comedian hosted Chelsea Lately on the E! network, a late-night talk show that kept viewers entertained for seven years. A little more recently, she also released a Netflix documentary series named Chelsea Does in 2016.

Will Smith Oscars Incident

Smith, 53, slapped Chris Rock, 57, at the 94th Academy Awards on 28th March 2022 at Hollywood’s Dolby Theatre.

Rock was hosting the Best Documentary Feature Award when he took the opportunity to make a joke about Smith’s wife, Jada Pinkett Smith.

Cracking a joke about her shaved head, Rock compared the actress to Demi Moore’s image in G.I. Jane.

Chelsea Handler says Chris Rock handled himself perfectly after he was hit by Will SmithChelsea Handler says Chris Rock handled himself perfectly after he was hit by Will Smith (Credit: Janet Mayer / Startraksphoto)

Pinkett Smith, who had previously spoken about dealing with alopecia, was unamused by Rock’s joke. On-screen, she could visibly be seen rolling her eyes.

Moments after the remark, Will Smith went on stage and slapped Rock. This was done in front of all those in the audience, not to mention the millions of people watching from their sofas at home!

What Handler Had to Say About Smith’s Slap

Whilst some have frowned upon Smith for his sharp and spontaneous slap, Handler admitted to thinking Smith acted perfectly in this situation.

Claiming that Smith was a professional, Handler commented that this action was an excellent example for all comedians and performers to not be reactive within the moment.

Nicole Eggert as Laurel Canyon, Chelsea Handler as Nikita, and Jenny Mollen as Marina Dell in the 2006 National Lampoon comedy film National Lampoon Presents Cattle CallNicole Eggert as Laurel Canyon, Chelsea Handler as Nikita, and Jenny Mollen as Marina Dell in the 2006 National Lampoon comedy film National Lampoon Presents Cattle Call (Credit: National Lampoon Productions)

She comments that although it was not essential to be reactive, she thought the reaction was heard appropriately and that people have felt for him.

In an interview with People, Handler admitted to feeling for him, too, commenting that he was an incredible man she respected even more for how he handled things.

What Happened Next?

After the unforeseen event, Smith issued a public apology to Rock after the ordeal, admitting that he was out of line.

This actor then decided to resign from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, describing his actions as shocking, wrong, and wholly inexcusable.

Jo Koy and Chelsea Handler met over 20 years on the set of Handler’s E! late-night series Chelsea LatelyJo Koy and Chelsea Handler met over 20 years on the set of Handler’s E! late-night series Chelsea Lately and started dating in 2021 (Credit: John Eddy / INSTARimages)

On the other hand, the slapped Chris Rock spent a week in Boston, where he performed a whopping six sold-out shows before his Ego Death World Tour.

He has declined to press charges and has been described as handling the incident reasonably well. Whilst Rock has long been used to different people taking his humor the wrong way, no one could have foreseen that slap!

Chelsea Handler styled a blush-hued silk tuxedo shirt with black pants and pumpsChelsea Handler styled a blush-hued silk tuxedo shirt with black pants and pumps (Credit: Brian To / WENN)

Once in a while, it’s fun to see our favorite comediennes leave their comfort zones to get all glammed up for some sassy event in the city.

A case in point is Chelsea Handler, who, aside from hosting her own show ‘Chelsea Lately’, also happens to be a successful actress, a best-selling author, and a producer.

We’re so used to Chelsea being her usual sarcastically funny self that it’s refreshing to see her doing some modelesque poses in front of the cameras for a red carpet event!

Chelsea Handler at the amfAR 3rd Annual Inspiration Gala at Milk StudiosChelsea Handler at the amfAR 3rd Annual Inspiration Gala at Milk Studios in Los Angeles, California, on October 11, 2012 (Credit: Brian To / WENN)

In October 2012, the then 37-year-old entertainer attended the amfAR 3rd Annual Inspiration Gala wearing a simple yet undeniably chic ensemble consisting of an Elizabeth and James tuxedo shirt that she matched with a pair of black pants, pumps, and a clutch bag.

Indeed, Chelsea Handler proved that less is so much more beautiful and classy. How do you like her ensemble?

If you’re digging Chelsea’s Elizabeth and James blush-hued silk tuxedo shirt, then check it out at Saks Fifth Avenue, and see how you can also pull off a sweet-chic outfit with this top!

Elizabeth and James Silk "Odin" Tuxedo Shirt in Blush/BlackElizabeth and James Silk “Odin” Tuxedo Shirt in Blush/Black, $265