Watch Chris Rocks Oscar Monologue Damn Right Hollywoods Racist
Since an all-white spate of acting nominees was announced in January, many have been anticipating not whether, but how host Chris Rock would address the issues of diversity and inclusion in his opening Oscar monologue. As expected, Rock did not shy away from the topic. "Is Hollywood racist?" he asked rhetorically. His answer "Damn right, Hollywood's racist.", Rock said that the kind of racism he has encountered in Hollywood isn't the "burning cross" kind, but a more insidious beast he referred to as "sorority racist." He also explained why he decided to host despite calls for him to boycott the show, saying that they were going to hold the event whether he attended or not, and "the last thing I need is to lose another job to Kevin Hart.", The host also called out some of the actors who have been vocal in the call for a boycott, including Jada Pinkett Smith, whom he suggested was only upset because her husband, Will Smith, was not nominated for his performance in Concussion, and who, he suggested, wouldn't have been invited to the event even if she had wanted to attend. Jokes aside, Rock's ultimate message was clear. "We want black actors to get the same opportunities as white actors, that's it," he said. "Not just once.", Read the full text of Rock's monologue below