Talk about riding for your bro! Kenny Rock is on the same page as Tony Rock–both brothers want to see Will Smith answer to the slap seen around the world. More than two weeks past the 2022 Oscars, the show’s most memorable moment goes to Will
open-palm slapping Chris on live television. The incident happened immediately after Chris told a
G.I. Jane joke aimed at Jada Pinkett Smith’s bald look.
Chris Rock’s Brother Challenges Will Smith To A Boxing Match
Chris’ brother Tony
previously responded to the incident, both on Twitter and during a stand-up show. Now, their younger brother Kenny also
wants to give Will a taste of his own sauce. According to
TMZ, Kenny inked a deal with
Celebrity Boxing founder Damon Feldman. Officials reportedly scheduled Kenny’s match for June 11, but he doesn’t have an opponent. But, according to TMZ’s video interview, he’s
open to boxing with “anybody willing to step up and take on the challenge.”
Following the TMZ’s line of questioning, Kenny doesn’t think Chris or any of his brothers should step in the ring with Will. But Kenny? He wants all the smoke.
“No they shouldn’t, but I should get in the ring with Will Smith,” Kenny said.
And Kenny isn’t fazed by height or weight differences nor did he say much about the challenge. Instead, Kenny hopes to “let the hands do the talking.”
It eats at me watching it over and over again because youve seen a loved one being attacked and theres nothing you can do about it, Kenny said in an interview. Every time Im watching the videos, its like a rendition that just keeps going over and over in my head. My brother was no threat to him and you just had no respect for him at that moment. You just belittled him in front of millions of people that watch the show.
Kenny Doubts The Academy’s 10-Year Ban
Kenny also told the press he’s spoken to his brother since the slap. Apparently, Chris is “doing great.” A few days after the Oscars, Chris broke his silence during a stand-up show, revealing that he was still processing what happened. Just days ago, Chris spoke on the exchange again.
Im OK, I have a whole show, and I’m not talking about that until I get paid,” Chris told a sold-out California audience.
Will hasn’t gone completely unchecked for squaring up in front of the world. As previously reported, the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts & Sciences banned the veteran actor for 10 years.
Their decision came days after Will resigned his Academy membership. This resignation and ban means Will cannot “attend any Academy events or programs, in person or virtually, including but not limited to the Academy Awards.” However, both consequences won’t stop him from being nominated or winning any future awards during the next decade.
Kenny didn’t hold his tongue when it came to commenting on the Academy’s punishment.
“Well, we have to see if he’s actually going to get the 10-year ban,” Kenny said. “They might say a 10-year ban, then after three years they’ll think that we may have forgot about it and slide him in there…so we have to make sure these people do what they said they’re going to do.”
Like Tony, Kenny said he’s taking the personal, but instead of being extra vocal, the younger brotherdescribed himself as “a quiet storm.”
Want updates directly in your text inbox? Hit us up at 917-722-8057 orclick here to join!
Cassandra SantiagoCassandra Santiago is a multimedia journalist, editor, and editorial strategist with over a decade of experience shaping conversations across arts, entertainment, culture, and global news. A graduate of the University of Iowa, she has built a cross-platform career spanning newspapers, magazines, radio, and digital media. She joined The Shade Room five years ago and currently serves as a Senior Editor, where she leads editorial direction, oversees exclusive coverage, and trains and edits a team of writers. Cassandra has played a key role in developing high-impact content and editorial strategies for an audience of more than 30 million, contributing to platform growth, engagement, and monetization across multiple channels. In addition to her leadership role, she remains a daily contributor, with her articles generating more than 41 million views since 2023. Beyond The Shade Room, Cassandra offers freelance social media strategy services, speaks on the influence and impact of Black media at public panels, and owns Did It For You, an event design company in the DC, Maryland, and Virginia area. She is Poynter Institute–certified and was named to the DMV’s 35 Under 35 list in 2024.