Will Smith's mother, Carolyn Smith, has jumped to the defence of her son after he hit Chris Rock during the Academy Awards.
The 85-year-old opened up in an interview with ABC6 News and insisted his actions were completely out of character.
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Will stunned the audience at the Oscars when he walked up on stage and slapped the presenter in the face after he made a joke about the nominee's wife, Jada Pinkett Smith's hair loss.
WATCH: Will Smith assaults Chris Rock at the Oscars
But Carolyn stands by her son and says it's like nothing she has ever seen before from him.
"He is a very even, people-person," she said. "That's the first time I’ve ever seen him go off. The first time in his lifetime." She added: "I've never seen him do that."
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Carolyn wasn't at the ceremony in Los Angeles but had dressed up to watch the awards from her home in Philadelphia.
© Photo: Getty ImagesCarolyn said his son's actions were completely out of character
She, along with many of Will's relatives had gathered together in the hopes of seeing Will win his first Academy Award.
While he achieved that life-changing moment, it was eclipsed by his outburst. Carolyn attempted to focus on Will's work ethic though, and she said she knows "how hard he works, and he never half-steps," before suggesting he take a vacation and rest.
Will has since released a lengthy statement apologizing to Chris Rock which read: "Violence in all of its forms is poisonous and destructive," he began his statement.
Will issued an apology after his outburst
"My behavior at last night's Academy Awards was unacceptable and inexcusable. 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."
Finally apologizing to Chris, he continued: "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."
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