Diddy wants to clear the air following reports claiming he said Will Smith and Chris Rock settled their differences after the Oscars incident. The hip-hop mogul told TMZ he never said Smith and Rock are now cool.
“I never confirmed they had reconciled,” he said. “I said, ‘As brothers, they will work it out, and let’s move on with love.’”
A source told the outlet that Diddy realizes people have been hurt and he doesn’t want to get in the middle of the situation or “take the focus off of the conflict moving forward in the right way,” TMZ writes.
Page Six previously reported that Diddy said Smith and Rock settled their issues. “That’s not a problem. That’s over. I can confirm that,” he was quoted as saying. “It’s all love. They’re brothers.”
Chris Rock’s brother Tony Rock, who is also a comedian, commented on the slap on Twitter by responding to fans’ and followers’ questions. One person asked if Diddy was “lying” about Smith and Rock making peace with one another, to which Tony replied, “Yup.” He also said the slap was “foul” and that he doesn’t approve of Smith’s Instagram apology.
On Tuesday, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences issued a letter to members about the incident. “Sunday’s telecast of the 94th Oscars was meant to be a celebration of the many individuals in our community who did incredible work this past year. We are upset and outraged that those moments were overshadowed by the unacceptable and harmful behavior on stage by a nominee,” read the letter, which was signed by Academy CEO Dawn Hudson and president David Rubin.
It continued, “To be clear, we condemn Mr. Smith’s actions that transpired Sunday night,” adding that the review process “will take a few weeks.”
In December, Diddy bought Sean John, the fashion brand he launched over 20 years ago, for $7.5 million. He had sold it to brand management firm Global Brands Group in 2016, but decided to repurchase it after Global Brands filed for bankruptcy.
