Chris Rock has been asked to host the 2023 Oscars and this is his answer

For Chris Rock, returning to the 2023 Oscars is not an option.

The 57-year-old comedian told the audience at the Phoenix Comedy Show on Sunday that he had been asked to take part in next year's event - but turned down the opportunity.

He told the crowd that returning to the Oscars would be like returning to the scene of a crime.

Rock also said he was offered — and turned down — a Super Bowl commercial after the buffet.

We recall that Will Smith took the stage on March 27 and slammed Rock at the Academy Awards because of a joke he made with his wife, Jada Pinkett Smith.

In May, ABC President of Entertainment Craig Erich told Deadline that he was open to Rock returning as host next year. The choice, the executive said, would surely increase viewership.

Rock had previously hosted the Oscars twice: in 2005 and in 2016.

The 2023 Oscars will take place on March 12.