Actor Will Smith left viewers stunned when he slapped and swore at stand-up comic Chris Rock at the Oscars for an ill-judged joke about his wife Jada Pinket-Smith’s hair loss.
The 53-year-old – who was to go on and lift the best actor gong for his role in the biopic King Richard – rushed onto the stage and slapped Rock after the comedian referred to Pinket-Smith’s bald head, caused by alopecia, by referencing the film GI Jane.
As Smith returned to his seat he yelled: "Keep my wife's name out of your f****** mouth."
Read more: Will Smith hits Chris Rock at the Oscars after comedian makes joke about his wife Jada
Fellow Hollywood stars quickly took to social media to call out Smith’s attack, which was beamed live across the globe.
Smith’s behaviour has split opinion in the North East, however, with some feeling the Oscar winner was justified in defending his wife’s honour, whilst others have criticised him for his poor behaviour and for setting a bad example.
Chronicle readers have taken to social media in their droves to offer up their thoughts on what must rank as the most shocking and controversial Oscar moment in the glitzy event's 94 year history.
Commenting on Facebook, Carol said: “Violence is never the answer.”
Andrew said: “Hope this ends his career anyone else would of spent the night locked up, it comes to something when a comedian can’t crack a joke.”
Diane added: “Kids were present should not have happened should been removed off air.”
Mel agreed: “He should be held accountable for his disgusting actions, brought the Oscars to a low...they will never recover...should of been escorted out.”
Others saw Smith’s actions differently, however.
Malcolm said: “Will did what he thought was right any man having anyone taking the micky out of their wife, especially when it's an illness deserves it. Good on you Will standing up for the person you love.”
Joan said: “Whilst I do not condone the violence, neither can I condone anyone making fun of someone else’s health issues. I too have alopecia and believe me its NO JOKE!”
Alan added: “He deserved that slap from Smith, for belittling the drastic affects of his wife's illness, to a packed hall with millions watching at home…..Crass unfunny comic should have read the room.”
Waldo said: “Good on ya Will and don’t feel the need to apologise for standing up for your family.”
Evelyn said: “The woman has alopecia. I don't blame him for defending his wife for what is very bad taste.”
Many more thought the incident was staged.
Lynne said: “ I think it was all staged. Will Smith was laughing when the joke was made and it is only when his wife appeared upset that his “righteous indignation” took over!”
June agreed: “He was laughing at 1 st .”
John Dean said: “Remember it’s an actors venue staged “
But Trish said: “Well done Will Smith should have hit him harder.”
Smith later apologised for the incident as he picked up his Best Actor Oscar for the biographical sports drama, King Richard, in which he plays the father of US tennis greats Venus and Serena Williams.
In his acceptance speech he said: “I want to apologise to the Academy, I want to apologise to all my fellow nominees.”
He continued: “Richard Williams was a fierce defender of his family. In this time in my life, in this moment, I am overwhelmed by what God is calling on me to do and be in this world.
"I’m being called on in my life to love people and to protect people. And to be a river to my people. And I know to do what we do, you’ve got to be able to take abuse, and you’ve got be able to have people talk crazy about you.
"In this business, you’ve got to be able to have people disrespecting you and you’ve got to smile and pretend like that’s okay.” It was at that moment that fellow actor Denzel Washington called out to Smith.
Washington had comforted Smith after the slap. Smith said: “Denzel said to be a few minutes ago, at your highest moment, be careful, that’s when the devil comes for you. I want to be a vessel for love.”
The Los Angeles Police Department has since confirmed it is aware of an incident between two individuals during the Academy Awards programme. In a statement the LAPD said: “The incident involved one individual slapping another. The individual involved has declined to file a police report.
“If the involved party desires a police report at a later date, LAPD will be available to complete an investigative report.”
