One week afterWill Smithslapped Rock, 57, at the 94thAcademy Awards, Handler, 47, spoke to PEOPLE’s Jeremy Parsons and Janine Rubenstein at theGrammy Awardsin Las Vegas, saying she thinks her fellow comedian “handled himself with such aplomb” after the incident.
“He was a professional — and that was a great example for all performers, all comedians, to not be reactive in the moment,” she said. “It wasn’t necessary to be reactive. I think the reaction is heard now and it’s appropriate, and people have really felt for him.”
Handler added in the interview Sunday, “I feel for him. He’s an incredible guy. I lovethe way he handled it, and I respect him even more.”
For more on the Will Smith-Chris Rock incident at the Oscars, listen below to our daily podcast on PEOPLE Every Day.
“I can’t wait for his take on it. It’s going to be serious and funny at the same time,” Handler’s boyfriendJo Koyadded of Rock. “He’s the king, and he showed everyone why he’s the king. It was beautiful what he did.”
From left: Will Smith, Chelsea Handler, Chris Rock.David Livingston/Getty; Francis Specker/CBS/Getty; Al Seib /A.M.P.A.S./Getty
He compared the 50-year-old actress' appearance toDemi Moore’s look inG.I. Jane. Jada, who has opened upabout living with alopecia, was visibly unamused, rolling her eyes from her seat. Seconds later, Smith walked onstage and approached Rock,slapping him in front of the audienceand millions of people watching the telecast at home.
Check out PEOPLE’s fullGrammy Awardscoverage to get the latest news on music’s biggest night.
Smith hassince issued a public apologyto Rock following the ordeal, saying in part, “I was out of line and I was wrong.” The Best Actor winnersubsequently resignedfrom the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on Friday, claiming his actions were “shocking, painful, and inexcusable.”
An industry source told PEOPLE on Saturday that Rock — who has, thus far,declined to press chargesagainst Smith — “handled” the incident “well,” adding, “He is used to people getting bent out of shape at his no holds barred humor … but I’m sure henever expected to get slapped.”
“You hire Chris to get people’s reactions, which are immediate and usually invite hysterical laughing,” the source continued. “The incident has so many layers of intrigue and outrage that it should keep him on everyone’s mind for a long time. It should boost his comedy appearances.”
source: people.com
