ROBYN BECK/AFP via Getty Will Smith seemingly addresses Chris Rock in a new freestyle released on June 22 "Disrespect me on the stage, expect me on the stage," the Academy Award winner raps Smith publicly struck Rock at the 2022 Oscars after the comedian joked about Smith's wife Jada Pinkett Smith's hair, and Smith later apologized to Rock in a lengthy note on Instagram It's been three years sinceWill Smithinfamously slappedChris Rockat the Oscars — and the rapper and actor seems to be reflecting on the moment in his latest release. Earlier this week, the Academy Award-winning actor, 56, appeared onFire in the Boothwith British DJ Charlie Sloth, where he seemingly referencedthe viral moment from 2022with the comedian, 60. During verse two of his freestyle, Smith raps: "If you talking crazy out your face up on the stage and disrespect me on the stage, expect me on the stage." "Jokers dish it out, cry foul when it's time to take it/ City full of real ones, wasn't raised to fake it," the Philadelphia native continues. Omar Vega/Getty While Smith did not mention Rock by name, his words were reminiscent of the 2022 Academy Awards where theFresh Prince of Bel-Airstar left his seat, walked on stage and physically struck Rock on live television, moments after Rock made a joke about Smith's wifeJada Pinkett Smith's hair. As he was introducing the award for Best Documentary, Rock incorporated Pinkett Smith, 53, into his commentary while making note of her bald head. "Jada, I love ya.G.I. Jane 2, can't wait to see ya," Rock said of hisMadagascarcostar, who has alopecia and has been openabout her "issues with hair loss." Rock appeared to be visibly stunned after the slap. "Keep my wife's name out your f---ing mouth!" Smith yelled up to the stage at Rock after taking his seat again. TheKing Richardstar laterissued a public apologyto Rock. "Violence in all of its forms is poisonous and destructive," Smith wrote, in part, onInstagram. "My behavior at last night's Academy Awards was unacceptable and inexcusable. Jokes at my expense are a part of the job, but a joke about Jada's medical condition was too much for me to bear and I reacted emotionally." Myung Chun / Los Angeles Times via Getty "I would also like to apologize to the Academy, the producers of the show, all the attendees and everyone watching around the world. I would like to apologize to the Williams Family and my King Richard Family," the actor continued. "I deeply regret that my behavior has stained what has been an otherwise gorgeous journey for all of us. I am a work in progress." Smith thenresigned from the Academyand wasbanned from attending their ceremoniesfor the next 10 years. Several months after the incident, in July 2022, Rock said that although the slap "hurt," he was "not a victim." Kevin Mazur/WireImage In March 2025, Smith releasedBased on a True Story— his first album in 20 years — and seemed to reference the slap on two different tracks. The opening line of the first song on the album, "Int. Barbershop — Day," has talk of Smith being "canceled," while another voice says, "Him and Jada both crazy, girl, what you talkin' bout?/ You better keep his wife's name out of your mouth." Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE's free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. On a separate track titled "You Lookin' for Me?", Smith raps: "Took a lot, I'm back on top/ Y'all gon' have to get acclimated/ Won't stop, my s--- still hot/ Even though I won't get nominated." Reps for Smith and Rock did not immediately respond to PEOPLE's requests for comment. Read the original article onPeople
