Will Smith’s mum has admitted she was shocked after watching her son slap Chris Rock during the Oscars on Sunday.
Smith confronted Rock on stage midway through the event after the presenter made a joke about his wife, Jada Pinkett Smith.
Speaking on Monday, the actor's mum, Carolyn Smith said: “He is a very even, people person."
“That's the first time I've ever seen him go off. First time in his lifetime.
“I've never seen him do that."
Will Smith cries as he accepts the Oscar for Best Actor
BRIAN SNYDER
Ms Smith said she had spoken to her son since the event and told him to get some rest and go on holiday.
The 85-year-old told Action News: “I am proud of him being him."
The incident occurred during a segment where Rock roasted nominees, before turning his attentions to Smith and then his wife.
Rock said: "Jada, I love you. G.I. Jane II, can't wait to see it.” referencing the 1997 film "G.I. Jane" in which actress Demi Moore shaved her head.
Will Smith hits at Chris Rock during the ceremony
BRIAN SNYDER
This comment led to Smith reacting by walking onto the stage and landing a right-handed slap before walking back to his seat.
“Oh, wow! Wow! Will Smith just smacked the **** out of me.” Rock said. “Wow, dude. It was a G.I. Jane joke.”
Smith then responded by saying: "Keep my wife's name out of your ******* mouth,” to which Rock replied: "I'm going to. That's the greatest night in the history of television."
Jada Pinkett Smith has previously spoken out about her battle with autoimmune disorder alopecia, which can cause hair loss and balding.
Smith has since apologised for his actions on two occasions - to the Academy during a tearful speech after winning the Oscar for Best Actor and again in a statement on Instagram.
And showbiz journalist Kinsey Schofield believes his apology was necessary in order to prevent him from “blowing his legacy”.
Ms Schofield told GB News: “I do think that this was a necessary statement that he issued otherwise he would be in jeopardy of completely blowing his legacy.
“At the end of the day, you should never ever assault somebody."
