Chris Rock Offered Emmys Hosting Gig After Oscars Slap: Report

KEY POINTS

Chris Rock was offered the opportunity to host the Primetime Emmys, a report says
The stand-up comedian reportedly turned down the offer
He is also being eyed to host next year’s Oscars ceremony

It seems Chris Rock’s career is seeing a big boost after the infamous Oscars slap that trended on social media worldwide.

The 57-year-old stand-up comedian had been asked to host the Primetime Emmys on NBC this September, Deadline first reported.

Unnamed sources told the outlet that aside from Rock, Dwayne Johnson was also approached about hosting the event. Moreover, both stars are being considered for hosting gigs for next year’s Oscars, the report said.

But Rock, who is still busy with his comedy tour, reportedly turned down the informal offer from the Emmys. Johnson is also unlikely to take on the hosting duties, according to the outlet.

Rock has ties to NBC since he was once a “Saturday Night Live” cast member early in his career. Johnson also has connections to the network since he is executive producing its comedy series “Young Rock,” which has just been renewed for a third season.

The news comes days after Rock was spotted watching a baseball game at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Missouri, after his two-day stop at Stifel Theater on June 11 and 12 for his comedy tour.

At the St. Louis Cardinals vs. Pittsburgh Pirates game, Rock was spontaneously asked by a reporter about his thoughts after performing in the city.

“I love St. Louis. Great crowds, great food. I always catch a Cardinals game when I’m in town,” he said.

Meanwhile, director and screenwriter Tyler Perry recently got candid about his interactions with Rock and Will Smith, 53, after the shocking Oscars moment.

The 52-year-old, who is good friends with both Rock and Smith, shared that he approached the “Men in Black” actor after he slapped the comedian on stage for joking about his wife Jada Pinkett Smith’s bald head.

“Being friends with both of them has been very difficult,” Perry said, adding that he also consoled Rock because he knew what Smith did was wrong.

He continued, “But I want you to understand that something happened that was extremely painful for [Will] as well. That is no excuse. He was completely wrong for what he did. But something triggered him — that is so out of everything he is.”