People were not too happy with Chris Rock’s latest Oscars performance.
The Oscars are a night of lights, glamour and fun. However, this year it was filled with tension as the lack of diversity in Hollywood rang throughout the auditorium like elevator music composed by your favorite #OscarsSoWhite composers.
Cutting the fat off my monologue #oscars pic.twitter.com/ngMQD6LAkt
— Chris Rock (@chrisrock) February 29, 2016
As many expected, Chris Rock didn’t back away from the diversity issue. Instead, Chris Rock addressed it head on as soon as he came on stage. “I counted at least 15 black people in that montage,” Rock said, referring to a video highlight reel of 2015’s most successful movies.
Rock then called the Oscars as the “White People’s Choice Awards.”
The host didn’t back down from the controversy, either saying, “If they nominated hosts, I wouldn’t even get this job. You’d be watching Neil Patrick Harris right now!” Rock joked, referring to last year’s host. Rock went on to say, “The last thing I need is to lose another job to Kevin Hart.” Hart, himself in attendance, burst into laughter.
COmmenting on why this year, in particular, did so many people want boycott the Oscars, Rock pointed out that in the past African American’s were too busy trying to avoid getting lynched to worry about who won best cinematographer.
But, the biggest joke of the night was directed at Jada Pinkett Smith. Rock compared Smith boycotting the Oscars to himself boycotting Rihanna’s panties. “I’m not invited,” he quipped. He also poked fun at Pinkett Smith’s husband, actor Will Smith, who many felt that he was snubbed for his performance in Concussion this year. “It’s not fair that Will was not nominated,” Rock said. “It’s also not fair that he got $20 million for Wild Wild West!”
While a large percentage of Chris Rock’s jokes were focused on diversity issues, Rock also commented on the #AskHerMore campaign. He argued that men are not asked about their outfits because “they’re all wearing the same thing.” He continued, “If George Clooney showed up wearing a lime green tux on, and a swan coming out of his ass, somebody would go, “Whatcha wearin’, George?’ ”
However, many people were upset with Chris Rock’s performance.
Chris Rock is a sold out coon, a fucking house nigger
— Ant (@NotYourMate) February 29, 2016
That nigger chris rock is annoying af.. If you don’t like AMERICA you can get out!#Oscars
— BES (@bepsilons) February 29, 2016
Chris Rock is racist against white people
— Keith Posillico (@Keith_FAM) February 29, 2016
Despite so many people bashing Chris Rock on Twitter, many people stood by Rock and praised his performance.
Haven’t read any reviews yet, but IMO Chris Rock did a stellar job. Hit the right critical notes w/out dragging down the proceedings.
— David Roberts (@drvox) February 29, 2016
Obvs go Leo! But most #phonedrop moment for me tonight was Chris Rock’s aha moment about why there’s even an actor/actress category split.??
— whitney port (@whitneyEVEport) February 29, 2016
