Get PolitiFact in your inbox.
No, Chris Rock didn’t write that he ‘crossed a line’ with Oscars joke
Since actor Will Smith struck comedian Chris Rock at the 94th Academy Awards, social media users have pined for new development in the celebrity drama.
But in the absence of a comment from Rock, it appears some have resorted to crafting their own.
A March 28 Facebook post shared a purported statement from the comedian. It was flagged as part of Facebook’s efforts to combat false news and misinformation on its News Feed. (Read more about our partnership with Facebook.)
"As a comedian it can be difficult to understand which lines are to be crossed and which ones aren't," Rock’s alleged statement read. "Last night I crossed a line that I shouldn't have and paid the enormous price of my reputation as a renown comedian."
Featured Fact-check
The grammatically problematic statement attributed to Rock continued for a few more sentences with a "sincere apology" to Smith and actress Jada Pinkett-Smith before ending with Rock’s "hope that, with time, forgiveness can come of this situation and we can all be better, more considerate people in the end."
Sign up for PolitiFact texts
Our Sources
Facebook post, March 28, 2022
Tweet, March 29, 2022
Instagram post, March 28, 2022
Chris Rock’s Twitter, March 29, 2022
Chris Rock’s Facebook, March 29, 2022
Chris Rock’s Instagram, March 29, 2022
Tweet, March 28, 2022
Browse the Truth-O-Meter
More by Yacob Reyes
No, Chris Rock didn’t write that he ‘crossed a line’ with Oscars joke
Support independent fact-checking.
Become a member!
In a world of wild talk and fake news, help us stand up for the facts.