"I love the way she handled it, and I respect her even more," said Chelsea Handler for Chris Rock.
American comedian Chelsea Handler has expressed her thoughts on Will Smith's shocking reaction to slapping Chris Rock on stage at the 2022 Oscars after the comedian joked about his wife Jada Pinkett Smith's hairstyle.
While Smith's slap to the comedian left everyone stunned, the internet was also divided by the reactions of fellow stars.
Most recently, Handler talked about the shocking incident as she hit the red carpet at the 2022 Grammys over the weekend.
Handler, nominated for Best Comedy Album in Show, addressed the Oscars event and expressed her support for The Rock. “He was a professional – and it was a great example for all the actors, all the comedians, not to be reactive at the moment,” she said.
"It wasn't necessary to be reactive. I think the response has now been heard and it is appropriate, and people have really felt for him," he said.
She also praised The Rock's confidence in handling the situation as he "handled himself that way" after the incident, adding, "I feel for him. He's an incredible guy. The way he handled it, I love him, and I respect him even more."
Handler's boyfriend, Joe Coe, also praised The Rock, saying, "I can't wait for his thoughts on it. It's going to be serious and funny at the same time."
"He is the king, and he showed everyone why he is the king. What he did was beautiful," he said.