Chris Rock has spoken about his divorce, therapy and the Oscars incident in a new GQ cover-story interview, saying he wants the focus to shift back to his creative work. The comedian and filmmaker said he has scripts, television projects and a book in progress, and described the onstage slap by Will Smith as a moment he hopes to leave behind.
“I would like to move on,” Rock told GQ senior special correspondent Zach Baron. He acknowledged that the incident may follow him for the rest of his life, but said he wants people to pay attention to the work he is making rather than “some crazy night.”
Rock also discussed the end of his 19-year marriage to Malaak Compton-Rock, taking responsibility for his part in the relationship’s breakdown. He said he was “not a great husband” and that he watched a lot of porn during the marriage. “I haven’t watched porn in five, six years,” he said.
He described seeking therapy during a difficult period in his personal life, saying he went in crying and trying to understand what was happening. Rock also noted that rebuilding his life after the divorce involved touring and working to earn money, alongside the challenges of the pandemic.
His latest film, “Misty Green,” is set to arrive on Netflix on Nov. 9, following its theatrical debut through A24 the previous month. Rock said he hopes to direct more feature films and has not ruled out returning to stand-up, though he has no plans to announce a show now. He said he would perform again if he felt he could bring something distinct to the stage, and that his immediate priority is writing.
Sources: The Hollywood Reporter.