Comedian Chris Rock 'Attacks' Camera During Encounter With Conservative Author

Conservative commentator and author Jason Mattera has his eyes set on Hollywood, as his new book "Hollywood Hypocrites" takes aim at liberal celebrities who have supported President Barack Obama.

In a video clip attached to his promotion of the book, Mattera approaches comedian Chris Rock and questions him about disparaging comments he's made about the Tea Party and racism. The video takes a bizarre turn when Rock "attacks" the camera that is recording his interaction with the author.

The incident, which apparently occurred January 23, 2012, first shows Mattera telling the actor and comedian that he's a fan and nicely asking Rock for a picture. Then, Mattera goes in for the kill.

"Chris, when you said that the Tea Party was insanely racist -- Chris, when you said...," Mattera asked, but before he could finish, Rock reacted.

This question was referencing comments the comedian made in an interview with Esquire Magazine last year. He said:

"When I see the Tea Party and all this stuff, it actually feels like racism's almost over. Because this is the last -- this is the act up before the sleep," "They're going crazy. They're insane. You want to get rid of them -- and the next thing you know, they're f------ knocked out."

It is important to note a few elements here. First and foremost, the audio goes out once Rock pushes the camera out of the way. So, we have no idea what was said following the camera incident.

Also, Mattera's strategy of approaching opponents and surprising them (or "ambushing" them as some have described it) has come under fire in the past. While some admire the information he is able to gather, not everyone -- even some conservatives -- believes that setting figures up with on-the-spot questioning is the best way to get viable answers. The Blaze will be exploring this discussion more in the future.

See the clip, below:

This story has been updated.