Rock Links 'Wokeness' to Salem Witch Trials in 'Misty Green' Promo

Key points

• Rock stated that 'wokeness' has created a world with less forgiveness, comparing the current era to the 'Old Testament' which lacks the mercy of the 'New Testament.'
• He compared the institutionalization of social justice movements to the Salem witch trials, arguing that once an 'office' is created, it must fabricate targets to justify its existence and overhead.
• Rock emphasized that true friendship involves holding people accountable even when they fail, rather than abandoning them, and that this does not condone abusive behavior.
• The comments were made during an interview for the New York Times' 'The Interview' series, coinciding with the premiere of his film 'Misty Green' at the Toronto International Film Festival.
• Rock acknowledged that the post-George Floyd era had redeeming qualities, specifically in giving marginalized people a voice, but criticized the subsequent institutionalization of these ideas.

Background

Rock's comments follow his recent promotion of 'Misty Green,' a film he wrote, directed, and starred in, which explores themes of forgiveness and the harsh realities of Hollywood. In September 2026, Rock also discussed his conditional return to the Oscars, stating he would only attend if nominated, and referenced the 2022 incident with Will Smith, noting his desire to move past the event. The film, which opens in select theaters on October 9, 2026, centers on a fading actress attempting a comeback, mirroring Rock's broader themes of expiration dates in show business and the need for empathy.

How outlets are covering it

TheWrap and Fox News both reported Rock's comments from the New York Times interview, highlighting his comparison of 'wokeness' to the Salem witch trials and his emphasis on forgiveness. TheWrap focused on Rock's distinction between advocating for marginalized groups and institutionalizing those ideas, while Fox News emphasized the 'Salem witch hunts' analogy and included a counter-perspective from Kaivan Shroff, a former Hillary Clinton campaign staffer, who criticized Rock for oversimplifying the issue and using outrage as part of his act. The New York Times provided the full interview context, including Rock's views on Hollywood's compromises, his therapy work, and his decision to return to directing after a 12-year hiatus. All three sources agree on Rock's core message but differ in emphasis, with Fox News adding a critical counter-argument not present in the other two.

Why it matters

Rock's comments reflect a broader cultural debate about the balance between accountability and forgiveness in social justice movements. His analogy to the Salem witch trials suggests that institutionalized outrage can become self-perpetuating and performative, potentially undermining its original goals. The timing of these remarks, alongside the release of 'Misty Green,' underscores Rock's intent to use his platform to critique the current cultural climate while promoting a film that explores similar themes of redemption and the harsh realities of Hollywood. This debate is particularly relevant in the context of the post-2020 era, where the institutionalization of social justice ideas has led to increased polarization and a perceived lack of forgiveness in public discourse.

What to watch

Rock's film 'Misty Green' is set to open in select theaters on October 9, 2026, and is expected to generate further discussion about the themes of forgiveness and institutionalized outrage. Rock has also indicated that he is working on a book of essays, with a running title of 'When the Homeless Know Your Name,' which may explore similar themes of empathy and social disparity. His comments may also influence the broader cultural conversation about the role of forgiveness in social justice movements and the potential for institutionalized outrage to become self-perpetuating. The film's reception and Rock's future projects will likely continue to shape the discourse around these issues.