We're all well aware by now, the Chris Rock and Will Smith moment was 100% real, and in truth, fans are starting to think that there was beef between the two before the 'Oscars', dating back to 2016.
Though in truth, it wasn't the first time we saw Will Smith lose his cool.
Already a wealthy man worth $60 million, Chris Rock didn't take on the gig for the money. In truth, he made very little. We'll take a look at how much he made, along with if the Oscars approved his joke beforehand.
How Much Was Chris Rock Paid To Present At The 'Oscars'?
Not enough... That's especially the answer given what went down between himself and Will Smith at the Oscars. Now it should be noted that the likes of P.Diddy have stated that things are good between the two and that things were settled after the show - however, it'll be a moment nobody is going to forget any time soon...
- “Will and Chris, we’re going to solve this – but right now we’re moving on with love,” Diddy stated after the Oscars.
Adding fuel to the fire, Richard Madeley did speak on the matter, calling Chris Rock the worst guest he had ever interviewed. "I was asked by GQ Magazine some years ago who was the most unpleasant person I've ever interviewed of my entire career, and that goes back to 1972 when I started in local newspapers, and I said, without hesitation - it's on the record - Chris Rock."
"He was the most unpleasant, rude, aggressive, unlikeable human being I've ever interviewed on camera, without question," he continued. "We edited around all the difficult bits and the interview that went out looked all right but actually his behaviour was awful. In my book, he's the most unpleasant celebrity I've ever had the misfortune to meet.. but I wouldn't have punched him."
- Chris Rock refused to file a police report against Will Smith.
Will Smith decided to take a different route and to make matters worse, Chris Rock hardly made any money for the appearance.
Chris Rock Didn't Make Much From The Gig
Given how much the hosts have to do at the 'Oscars', it is clear that they are incredibly underpaid. Jimmy Kimmel revealed some inside information on just how much he made when hosting the show and surprisingly, it was less than fans would expect.
During his conversation alongside Wanda Sykes, Kimmel stated he was paid $15,000 for the gig - despite the fact that it was hours of work, along with weeks of preparation.
Chris Rock hosted the show in 2016, though this time around for presenting, he likely made even less than that, likely a four-figure salary. The exposure on the highly-watched award show is what usually "pays." This is similar to those who perform at the 'Super Bowl', who don't get paid but see their album sales skyrocket thanks to the gig.
At the very least, thanks to all the exposure he got from the show, fans will be searching for Chris Rock's work a lot more actively.
Salary aside, fans are also wondering if the Academy knew about his joke beforehand.
Usually, Rock doesn't run his material by them...
Did The Academy Know About Chris Rock's Joke?
During an interview on Instagram Live alongside Sharon L. Carpenter, Chris Rock would reveal some behind the scene information. During the talk, Rock revealed that he doesn't run his jokes by the Academy, in fear that they would turn them down. Though he did reveal that there are a few restrictions and matters he cannot address.
"Everything depends on what level you're at or how cute you are in the eyes of your bosses. When I'm hosting a show I'll always say tell me what I can't say. I see it early on, and then, I write jokes around it, and I'll never show them the jokes, cause if not, they'll say you can't say that either."
"Even at the Oscars they never see the jokes. I promise I won't curse, and they have a list of things I can't say."
Following the awkward Chris Rock moment, maybe this might change in the future, especially given how things got out of hand quickly.
Without a doubt, it is a moment fans will not forget and one that might haunt Will Smith for a very long time.
