Hours after the “King Richard” star broke his silence with an apology video following a months-long break from the spotlight, the comedian took the stage at the Fox Theater in Atlanta as part of his Ego Death World Tour. Although Rock didn’t directly address Smith in the heartfelt six-minute video, according to People, he delivered a pointed message about how “everybody’s trying to be a fucking victim.” “If everyone claims to be a victim, then no one will listen to the real victims. Even I get hit by Suge Smith,” he told the crowd, referring to Marion “Shuge” Knight, the co-founder of Death Row Records who is serving a 28-year sentence for murdering a man. “I went to work the next day, I had kids.” “Anyone who says words hurt has never been punched in the face,” Rock added, making the same observation about the “cancellation culture” he’s shared at previous concerts. Rock has been reluctant to share his side of the story since Smith took the stage at the Oscars in March. Before presenting an award, the comedian made an insensitive joke about the shaved head of Jada Pinkett Smith, who has spoken publicly about her alopecia. Smith, however, was more forthcoming. In his recent video, the actor answered several questions about the infamous moment, including whether he has reached out to Rock, who he said is “not ready to talk.” “It’s all a blur,” Smith remarked of his memories of the night. “I’ll tell you, Chris, I apologize. My behavior was unacceptable and I’m here whenever you’re ready to talk.” He also addressed speculation about his wife’s role in the incident. “I made a choice on my own, from my own experiences, from my history with Chris,” she said. “Jada had nothing to do with it. I’m sorry, baby.” The actor added that after months of reflection he is still “trying to be remorseful without being ashamed” of his actions and apologized to his family, nominees and fans in general. “Disappointing people is my central trauma. I hate when I let people down,” he said. “It hurts me psychologically and emotionally to know that I didn’t live up to people’s image and impression of me.” Shortly after the Oscars, the star willingly resigned from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, which has since banned him from attending the awards show and other related events for the next decade. Smith will likely face more scrutiny when his new film, “Emancipation,” from “Training Day” director Antoine Fuqua, arrives “later this year or early next year,” according to Deadline, after the project was reportedly delayed because of the controversy surrounding the cuff.
