13 March 2023 , 09:39
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A year on from the infamous Will Smith slap at the 94th Academy Awards, Chris Rock was no where to be seen as he shunned Hollywood for Florida to watch this year's event.
The comedian hosted last year's Oscars but the explosive moment between Rock and Will Smith overshadowed the celebrations.
Rock chose to take cover from Los Angeles as he headed to Miami for the Vanity Fair and Xeomin viewing party at The Four Seasons Hotel.
Keeping far away from the star-studded event, Rock opted for a casual viewing party wearing a white jumper, black trousers, cap and sunglasses.
He seemed at ease as he was greeted by a long hug from fellow comedian Whitney Cummings, 40.
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Chris Rock attended a viewing party with Whitney Cummings (Instagram)
Chris stayed away from Hollywood, a year after hosting the Oscars (Instagram)Audiences around the world were stunned last year as Smith, 54, marched onto the stage and slapped Rock, 58, after he made a joke about his wife Jada Pinkett Smith.
Chris had joked that Jada was rocking a "GI Jane" look, which made Will retaliate: "Keep my wife's name out your f***ing mouth!"
It tarnished the award show and left Smith with a ten year ban from any Academy events.
The 95th Academy Awards saw a break in tradition as the previous year's winner of best actor announces the winner of best actress and vice versa.
Despite winning best actor last year, Smith was not able to attend as he is banned from attending for 10 years.
The infamous slap onstage during the 94th Oscars (AFP via Getty Images)Halle Berry and Jessica Chastain presented the best actress award instead to Michelle Yeoh.
The incident was referenced at this year's event as Oscars host Jimmy Kimmel said: "We want you to have fun. We want you to feel safe. And most importantly, we want me to feel safe. So we have strict policies in place.
"If anyone in this theatre commits an act of violence at any point during the show, you will be awarded the Oscar for best actor and permitted to give a 19-minute long speech."
He also took aim at the audience, adding: "If anything unpredictable or violent happens during the ceremony, just do what you did last year. Nothing."