Comedian Wanda Sykes remembers Will Smith’s Oscar slap of Chris Rock well, and thinks even Troy Kotsur, the deaf actor who won Best Supporting Actor for “CODA” last year, heard it.
But did she really need to go there with him?
The actress, who hosted last year’s ceremony, appeared on the 100th episode of the Sherri Shepherd Show on Friday to discuss her comedy career, retirement and more. Shepherd asked him about Rock’s stand-up comedy special premiering Saturday on Netflix.
“We love Chris Rock. You have a close relationship with Chris, but are you happy that this special is coming out? Shepherd asked Sykes. “The Oscars are coming up next weekend, so do you think it’s really important that his special comes out right before the Oscars? Because you hosted last year.
Sykes responded by alluding to Smith’s Rock slap after the actor-comedian made a joke about Jada Pinkett Smith referring to her bald head. Shortly after Smith slapped Rock, he won the Best Actor Oscar for playing Richard Williams, father of tennis champions Serena and Venus Williams in “King Richard.”
“I saw it. I heard it. We all heard it,” Sykes said. “Even the ‘CODA’ guy heard it.”
“So it’s good that this comes out now [before the Oscars]?” Pastor asked again.
“Good. I’m so excited,” Sykes said. “The timing couldn’t be better.”
Sykes also expressed how happy she is for Chris.
“Chris, for me he is the best working right now. He is the best. So I love it when he gets on stage and shows everyone why he’s a GOAT.”
Sykes and Shepherd also discussed “History of the World Part II,” which Sykes’ executive produces. He also appears on the Hulu comedy series. Shepherd asked him to let him know if there would be a season 2.
The 2023 Oscars air on March 12, 2023.
