Will Smith Explains Slapping Reporter Who Tried Kissing Him During 'Awkward' Moment
Actor Will Smith, who is promoting his upcoming movie "Men In Black III," recently explained why he opted to slap a reporter during a red carpet event in Moscow.
Smith, 43, appeared on the "Late Show with David Letterman" recently where he spoke about the incident that prompted a physical response from the actor last week.
"I was in Moscow [and] we were doing an interview and [The journalist] says 'I'm your biggest fan, can I have a hug,'" Smith explained. "So I go to give this joker a hug and he tries to like lean in to kiss me […] it's just awkward Dave."
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The video of Smith back-handing the reporter went viral last week, showing the Ukrainian member of the media attempting to kiss the actor on the mouth.
"What the hell is your problem buddy?" Smith asked the reporter before pushing him and following the action with a slap to his face.
The Ukrainian reporter has reportedly attempted to kiss other entertainers on the mouth and Smith told Letterman that he received an apology after the incident took place.
"They were saying 'We're sorry, that's just his schtick'," Smith told Letterman. "And I said 'Well that's why his (expletive) got schtuck."
After Smith reacted to the reporter last week, some began to question if the actor was homophobic. However, Smith has taken on homosexual roles in movies and stated his support for same-sex marriage.
"If anybody can find someone to love them and to help them through this difficult thing that we call life, I support that in any shape or form," Smith said last week.
The actor will appear in the third installation of the "Men In Black" series which premieres in theaters May 25. Although he has been promoting the film, the actor also has been clearing up rumors, including the one concerning a rumored separation from wife Jada Pinkett-Smith.
"For me with that type of stuff you can't take that personally. It's just a game," Smith told Access Hollywood recently. "And it's funny I don't look at things as the upside or downside you know? It's just a part of the game, you know?"
