The Independent's journalism is supported by our readers. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn commission.
Chris Rock defends Jimmy Fallon’s blackface impersonation of him: ‘He didn’t mean anything’
Fallon donned blackface for sketch in 2000 episode of ‘Saturday Night Live’
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Chris Rock has defended Jimmy Fallon over a resurfaced comedy skit in which Fallon wore blackface to impersonate him.
In May, the clip from a 2000 episode of Saturday Night Live went viral, often alongside the hashtag #JimmyFallonIsOverParty. In the clip, Fallon wears blackface for an impression of Rock.
Rock has now stated that he valued the intention behind the impersonation.
“I’m friends with Jimmy,” Rock told The New York Times. “Jimmy’s a great guy. And he didn’t mean anything. A lot of people want to say intention doesn’t matter, but it does. And I don’t think Jimmy Fallon intended to hurt me. And he didn’t.”
Rock also declined to say that television has gone “too far” in its removal of historic comedy series that have used blackface. In recent months, comedies including Little Britain, 30 Rock and The Golden Girls have had episodes that feature the practice removed from streaming.
“If I say [they’ve gone too far], then I’m the worst guy in the world,” Rock said. “There’s literally one answer that ends my whole career. Blackface ain’t cool, OK? That’s my quote. Blackface is bad. Who needs it?
“It’s so sad, we live in a world now where you have to say, I am so against cancer. ‘I just assumed you liked cancer.’ No, no, no, I am so against it. You have to state so many obvious things you’re against.”
In May, Fallon apologised for his “terrible decision” to don blackface, and thanked social media users for “holding me accountable”.
Weeks later, he claimed that he had been advised to not address the blackface scandal publicly, but had chosen to express his regret.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments