Chris Rock's subtle joke about Oscar's slap, Will Smith banned for 10 years

Chris Rock joked that he has "got his hearing back" after being slapped by Will Smith at the Oscars.

The 57-year-old comedian was struck by the King Richard actor at the awards ceremony last month after he made a joke about his wife Jada Pinkett Smith's shaven head.

Will has been banned by the Academy for 10 years as a result of the shocking incident but Chris poked fun at the situation during a recent performance in California.

According to the Desert Sun newspaper, the Everybody Hates Chris star said: "I'm OK, I have a whole show and I'm not talking about that until I get paid.

"Life is good. I got my hearing back."

It was announced over the weekend that Will has been banned from attending the Oscars for the next decade as a result of the slap, although he was allowed to keep his Best Actor gong for his performance in King Richard.

Photo / Getty

In a statement released by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, the President David Rubin and CEO Dawn Hudson said: "This action we are taking today in response to Will Smith’s behaviour is a step toward a larger goal of protecting the safety of our performers and guests, and restoring trust in the Academy. We also hope this can begin a time of healing and restoration for all involved and impacted."

Will had already resigned from the Academy and apologised to Chris following a backlash after the incident and confirmed that he will "accept and respect" the decision to ban him from the Oscars.

The 53-year-old actor told Page Six: "I accept and respect the Academy’s decision."

Meanwhile, Academy members have praised Chris Rock for the way he handled Will Smith slapping him at the Oscars.

The atmosphere in the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles went cold when Will walked on stage and slapped the comedian in a row over a joke Chris had made about Will's wife Jada Pinkett Smith.

Will has since resigned from The Academy, and now members have decided to ban him from the ceremonies for the next 10 years, with the decision sitting well with some of those involved in the Academy.

Photo / Getty

Carol Connors, who sits on the music branch, said: "He’s not going to be able to present next year, and I think hurray for that. I don’t think he should be allowed on the Academy stage. What he did on the world stage was unacceptable. Ten years is an important round number. I don’t think it should have been one year or five years. Ten is appropriate."

She said she was pleased that Will would not return to present an award next year, as the Best Actor award winner is usually asked to do so after collecting the top prize at the ceremony the previous year.

She added: "But I’m glad he will not present next year, after what he did. What if Chris would have fallen down and hit his head? The one guy is what, 140 pounds soaking wet, and the other guy played Muhammad Ali.

Can you imagine what must have gone through Chris’ mind at that moment? And I think he handled it with great dignity."

Stephen Potter, of the sound branch of the Academy, also praised Chris' reaction to what happened.

He told The Hollywood Reporter: "I have to say I’m surprised at the Academy’s formal response of a 10-year ban on Mr Smith, which is harsher than I imagined it would be. Ten years is quite a long time. Mr Rock maintained composure under very unexpected circumstances, and I applaud him for averting what could have been a total disaster. I believe Mr Smith’s reaction was fuelled by Ms Pinkett Smith’s glaring look, and it’s unfortunate he chose to react as he did. The opinions are split between those who do and don’t support Mr Smith’s actions, but the fact remains this incident was very unfortunate on many levels."

- Bang! Showbiz