Chris Rock exposes LA’s dark ‘underbelly’ that people pretend doesn’t exist
Comedian Chris Rock has spoken about the darker side of fame in Los Angeles, telling Variety that the city's glamour masks an "underbelly" many prefer to ignore. Speaking ahead of directing his new indie film "Misty Green", about a broke, has-been actress in LA, Rock reflected on how the nature of celebrity has shifted during his career, from a pursuit of genuine talent to a hollower chase for fame itself. His comments touch on wider questions about Hollywood's culture and the stark inequality visible across the city.
Rock, 61, who splits his time between homes in New York and Los Angeles, pointed to the juxtaposition of extreme wealth and homelessness he sees near his LA neighbourhood, citing a real estate office on Robertson advertising $30–40 million homes metres from a homeless man sleeping rough. He said this "crazy dichotomy" partly inspired his new film. Rock also revisited being slapped by Will Smith at the 2022 Oscars, saying he wished it had never happened but has since kept it in perspective, and added he would only return to host or present at the Academy Awards if nominated for an award himself.
In short
- Chris Rock says LA hides a dark "underbelly" beneath its glamour.
- New film "Misty Green" explores LA's wealth-poverty divide.
- He reflected on the 2022 Oscars slap by Will Smith.
Explained simply
Los Angeles is a major centre of the American film and television industry, and its image is closely tied to celebrity, wealth and glamour. The city also has high levels of homelessness and visible economic inequality, with people living in very different circumstances sometimes just streets apart.
Chris Rock is an American comedian, actor and filmmaker whose career has included stand-up, film and television. His new independent film, Misty Green, is set in Los Angeles and follows an actress whose career and finances have faltered.
Rock’s remarks touch on how fame and the entertainment industry have changed, and on the contrast between celebrity wealth and hardship in the city. That context helps explain the setting and themes of his film.