Jussie Smollett was noticeably absent from the NAACP Image Awards on Sunday, but that didn’t stop Chris Rock from joking about him.
"They said no Jussie Smollett jokes," Rock said as he was on stage to present the Outstanding Comedy Series award, according to USA Today. "What a waste of light skin," Rock cracked. "Do you know what I could do with that light skin? That curly hair? My career would be out of here! I'd be (expletive) running Hollywood."
The jokes got smiles and laughs from Deon Cole, Issa Rae and Trevor Noah, among others in the star-studded audience.
“What the hell was he thinking?” he said. “You’re ‘Jessie’ from now on. You don’t even get the ‘u’ no more. That ‘u’ was respect. You ain’t getting no respect from me!”
Related: Photos: NAACP Image Awards 2019 red carpet
Smollett lost to Jessie Williams for the Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series award, which was announced at the televised portion of the awards dinner Friday, Variety reported. Smollett was also not at that event.
The Chicago Tribune reported Tuesday that state prosecutors dropped the 16 felony disorderly conduct charges against Smollett in exchange for community service and forfeiting his $100,000 bond, according to First Assistant State's Attorney Joseph Magats.
Watch Rock joke about Smollett on the TV One YouTube page.
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