Not so subtle. Chris Rock tweeted a cryptic message just ahead of the 2016 Oscars on Thursday, February 25, making a statement without saying much as the #OscarsSoWhite controversy continues to plague the awards show.
“See you Sunday… #blackout #oscars,” he wrote alongside a video of static on a television screen.
The 51-year-old comedian has stayed largely mum about his take on the lack of diversity among this year’s Oscars nominees, but has hinted at his thoughts in the last few weeks.
In a promotional clip for the awards show earlier this year, Rock gave a shoutout to ABC showrunner Shonda Rimes and Kerry Washington’s legion of Scandal fans.
“Hey Gladiators,” he kicks off one ad, referencing the nickname for ardent fans of the ABC series. “Get your popcorn and wine ready. I’m hosting the Oscars February 28.”
See you Sunday… #blackout #oscars pic.twitter.com/ZIoG9XqGpl
— Chris Rock (@chrisrock) February 26, 2016
Celebrities like 50 Cent and Tyrese Gibson urged Rock to abandon his post as host of the awards show following Jada Pinkett Smith’s call for a boycott back in January, but the comedian has so far made no indication that he ever planned to step down.
