Will Smith's mom has spoken out after her son slapped comedian Chris Rock at the Oscars.
The actor's 85-year-old mother Carolyn Bright said the incident on Sunday night was the first time she has ever "seen him go off".
Smith, 53, has been at the center of a media storm after he marched on stage and hit Rock, 57, during the Academy Awards live broadcast.
The incident was prompted by Rock's gag about Smith's wife, Jada Pinkett Smith, who he suggested might be appearing in the next GI Jane movie because of her closely shaved hairstyle.
Pinkett Smith - who has spoken openly about her struggles with alopecia - rolled her eyes at the gag, clearly unamused. While her husband seemed at first to chuckle along, he made it clear moments later that the joke hadn't landed well when he jumped up on stage and slapped the comedian across the face.
Clearly stunned, Rock tried to laugh the moment off and regain control of the situation - which was being broadcast live around the world. However, Smith doubled down, yelling at the comedian to keep his wife's name out of his "f***ing mouth".
The incident was only made more intense when, moments later, Smith was back up on stage to accept the Best Actor Oscar for his performance in King Richard.
Needless to say, social media has been flooded with people giving their take on the jaw-dropping moment. But now, Smith's own mother has stepped forward to give her verdict.
Speaking to ABC’s Action News, Carolyn 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."
She went on to say that, for her, the drama hadn't detracted from her pride in her son, who she believes wholeheartedly deserved his Academy Award both for King Richard and for every other film he has made.
"I know how he works, how hard he works. And he never half steps. I've been waiting and waiting and waiting. When I heard the name, I was just, 'Yes!'" she said.
As for what her Oscar-winning son is doing now, Carolyn told ABC's Action News that she has advised him to go on vacation and lie low until the controversy dies down.