Netflix's New Chris Rock Special Is Stirring Up Controversy

Finally, the Oscar slap, explained (sort of).

Back in 2016, '90s comedian Chris Rock signed a two-special gig with streaming service Netflix  (NFLX) - Get Free Report to the tune of $40 million. The first special premiered in 2018 to little fanfare -- but the second special now holds the #1 spot on Netflix. 

Rock took aim at a lot of sensitive topics between the two, from corporate "wokeness" to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. But it's his final jokes that have taken social media by storm because he finally addresses the infamous 2021 Oscars slap. 

Unsurprisingly, Rock took the high-profile opportunity to clear the air about his thoughts on Will and Jada-Pinkett Smith. In "Selective Outrage", Rock deflects responsibility for the event, saying about Smith,“Everybody called him a b*tch and who does he hit? Me.” 

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Just as controversial as the slap itself, Rock also indicated his reason for not responding to the slap (before his Netflix special). "[Y]ou know what my parents taught me? Don’t fight in front of white people.” 

Plenty of Twitter users were quick to point out what they see as hypocrisy in this stance.

Netflix is no stranger to controversial comedy specials. Early 2000s famous comedian Dave Chappelle and Netflix came under fire thanks to transphobic comments made in Chappelle's 2021 special "The Closer". Despite outcry from the trans community, including a walkout by Netflix employees, "The Closer" is still available to stream.