A Tory MP has sided with Will Smith after the actor controversially slapped Chris Rock during the Oscar’s ceremony on Sunday.
Simon Hoare, Conservative MP for north Dorset, wrote on Twitter: “I’d just hope if someone thought it in good taste to make a joke at the expense of a medical condition of my wife then I’d get up and lamp him.
“The 'joke' was tasteless.”
It came after Smith took to the stage to land a right-handed slap on Rock after the presenter made a joke about his wife, Jada Pinkett Smith.
The incident occurred during a segment of the show where Rock roasted several nominees, before he turned his attention to Smith and then his wife.
Rock said: "Jada, I love you. G.I. Jane II, can't wait to see it,” before Smith reacted by storming on stage to land a blow.
Shortly after the slap, Rock said: “Oh, wow! Wow! Will Smith just smacked the **** out of me…Wow, dude. It was a G.I. Jane joke," referencing the 1997 film "G.I. Jane" in which actress Demi Moore shaved her head.
Smith 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 told Billboard in December she has been battling alopecia, an autoimmune disorder which can cause hair loss and balding.
Smith later apologised for his actions during a tearful speech after collecting the Oscar for Best Actor.
Simon Hoare has backed Will Smith
UK Parliament/Reuters
Will Smith hits at Chris Rock during the ceremony
BRIAN SNYDER