Chris Rock’s Refusal To Fund Lawyer For Wrongfully Convicted Man Divides The Internet

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Chris Rock has spoken about his approach to helping people financially, saying he isn’t opposed to lending a hand when someone needs it. In one particular situation, however, the actor and comedian chose not to help, which has sparked a strong reaction online. While some people criticized Rock for his decision, others defended his reasoning.

The Decision Chris Rock Made That Still Weighs On Him

TMAA / ZDS / WENN.com / MEGA

Credit: TMAA / ZDS / WENN.com / MEGA

Chris Rock sat down with David Marchese for The New York Times series “The Interview,” wherein he discussed his new movie “Misty Green.” The conversation touched on cancel culture and forgiveness, and Rock shared a story to make a point.

“When you’re Black, white people believe every accusation is a conviction,” he said before sharing his story involving Roger Logan, the brother of one of his childhood best friends.

The comedian said Logan was wrongfully convicted of murder, and when his close friend approached him pleading to fund a lawyer to help free his brother, he refused. “I always had, like, a no-lawyer thing because a lawyer is like an open-ended thing,” he explained.

Rock went on to say that he has paid for people’s mortgages, education, and other needs, but he doesn’t deal with lawyers.

“It still f-cks with me… I had the means to help him, and I didn’t. I didn’t know if we could have got him out or not, but still,” Rock admitted.

The Comedian’s Statements Sparked Backlash

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Rock’s admission sparked a wave of reactions on social media. Some people called him out for “turning a blind eye,” especially since he said he had the means to help when he was asked.

One user countered the actor’s “open-ended” statement about dealing with lawyers, saying he could have given a fixed amount to help.

“I get it but he could’ve also used his power & or influence to speak out on the case and at least get a lawyer to take the case pro-bono,” one commenter added.

Meanwhile, others said Rock could have just kept that story to himself. “Why would he even feel the need to tell us this?” one user asked.

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Some People Came To Chris Rock’s Defense

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Despite the online backlash, some people defended the actor, saying legal battles can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars or even millions, and supported Rock’s decision not to get involved in the wrongfully convicted man’s case.

Others pointed out that Rock was not obligated to help and backed the comedian’s choice, noting the decision was not based on a lack of empathy.

“Money doesn’t prove anyone innocent, evidence does,” one user commented, adding that the justice system failed Logan, not Rock.

Roger Logan Was Released From Prison After 17 Years

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Logan was wrongfully convicted of second-degree murder in the shooting of a Brooklyn man. The conviction relied heavily on an eyewitness who claimed she saw Logan commit the crime.

In 2014, after serving 17 years of a 25-year prison sentence, Logan was set free and exonerated of the crime, per the New York Amsterdam News. It was discovered that the witness had been arrested and was in police custody at the time she said she saw Logan. A retired NYPD detective was also found to have tampered with the case and manufactured evidence.

New York City agreed to pay Logan a $3.75 million settlement, and the state of New York settled a separate claim for $2.97 million.

Chris Rock Supports Several Causes

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Beyond his decision not to financially help Logan, Rock has used his platform and resources to support charitable causes.

In 2005, he and his then-wife Malaak Compton helped Hurricane Katrina survivors at a Houston shelter and worked to secure donations. Years later, he also supported the Bushwick Salvation Army Community Center in Brooklyn, where he helped provide opportunities for local children. He has also participated in several charity specials over the years.

The Chris Rock’s Refusal To Fund Lawyer For Wrongfully Convicted Man Divides The Internet first appeared on The Blast