Will Smith’s mum defends him after he slaps Chris Rock at the Oscars.

Will Smith’s mother has defended him, claiming that his attack on Chris Rock was completely out of character.

Carolyn Smith, 85, was a proud mother as she witnessed her son win the Oscar for best actor at the 94th Academy Awards on Sunday night.

However, the moment was spoiled somewhat because just minutes before, Will had smacked comedian Chris on stage in front of a huge audience.

Will was defending his wife, Jada Pinkett-Smith, when Chris made a joke about her hair, despite the fact that she suffers from the hair loss disorder alopecia. This wasn’t the first time Chris had made fun of the actress on a global platform.

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Both Will’s slap and Chris’ joke have sparked outrage, with many people, organizations, and even MPs condemning them, while there has also been some support for Will.

Carolyn has spoken out about the horrifying incident, insisting that it was the first time she had ever seen him go off in her life.

In an interview with ABC6 news, she said,  ‘He is a very even, people-person.’

‘That’s the first time I’ve ever seen him go off. The first time in his lifetime.’

Will’s siblings, nieces, and nephews had gathered at Carolyn’s home in Philadelphia to watch the Oscars in the hope that Will would win his first Academy Award.

Also read: Will Smith, Jada danced at Oscars afterparty just hours after ‘slapgate’. Watch

Carolyn praised her son’s work ethic, saying, “I know how hard he works, and he never takes half-steps.” Seeing Will win the best actor for his role in King Richard was a fantastic experience, Carolyn said, despite the chaos only minutes before.

‘He’d been waiting and waiting and waiting, and I just… yes!’ she told the source, adding that she was ‘proud of him.’ Carolyn had asked her only son to ‘get some rest and go on vacation’ following the highs and lows of the Oscars night, according to ABC6 host Sharrie Williams.

Will has apologised for the event, expressing regret to the award’s organisers as well as Chris in a statement released the day following the ceremony.

In an Instagram post, the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air actor addressed the disturbing incident, admitting he was “embarrassed” by his behaviour.

‘Violence in all of its forms is poisonous and destructive,’ he stated. ‘My behaviour at last night’s Academy Awards was unacceptable and inexcusable.

Also read: Expensive tickets, more clout: Aftermath of Will Smith’s slap for Chris Rock

‘Jokes at my expense are a part of the job, but a joke about Jada’s medical condition was too much for me to bear and I reacted emotionally.’

‘I would like to publicly apologize to you, Chris. I was out of line and I was wrong. 

‘I am embarrassed and my actions were not indicative of the man I want to be. There is no place for violence in a world of love and kindness,’  the statement read.