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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Zoe Delaney

Piers Morgan claims anger at Will Smith slap is more severe than Russia launching war

Piers Morgan has called for some 'perspective' to be used regarding the fall-out from Will Smith and Chris Rock's infamous Oscars clash.

The former Good Morning Britain presenter, 56, has criticised those who have condemned the Best Actor winner's actions more severely than they have done Russian leader Vladimir Putin for ordering an invasion of Ukraine.

Over 24 hours on from the shocking incident at the 94th Academy Awards on Sunday night, the world - particularly social media - is still talking about the moment Will, 53, stormed the stage at the Dolby Theatre and smacked presenter Chris across the face.

The star has since gone on to apologise for his physical reaction to the comedian's poor-taste joke about wife Jada Pinkett Smith's hair-loss.

Chris Rock joked about Jada Pinkett-Smith's hair at the Oscars – provoking Will Smith to storm the stage and slap him (AFP via Getty Images)

Taking to Twitter on Monday night, Piers pondered some of the takes he had seen on the social media platform.

"Fascinating to see many people on here furiously demanding more draconian action against Will Smith for slapping Chris Rock than they've demanded against Vladimir Putin for launching war against a whole country," he mused to his 7.9million followers - adding the hashtag: "#Perspective."

In an earlier tweet, the broadcaster also revealed he doesn't "think Chris Rock knew Jada suffered from alopecia" but Will assumed he did, which is why he has "sympathy for both men".

Piers shared his thoughts to his millions of followers (@piersmorgan/Twitter)

Jada - who shares two children with Will - opened up last year about how her struggle with alopecia resulted in her shaving her head.

Piers' social media commentary came shortly after Will - who won took home the Best Actor on Sunday night - issued a public apology for his outburst.

Taking to Instagram almost 24 hours after he stormed the stage to smack the presenter for his GI Jane joke towards his wife, the dad-of-three admitted his actions were inexcusable.

Jada and Will prior to things getting heated on Sunday night (AFP via Getty Images)

In the statement, Will said: "Violence in all of its forms is poisonous and destructive.

"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."

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.

Chris hasn't yet publicly accepted Will's apology (REX)

"There is no place for violence in a world of love and kindness."

The King Richard star went on to apologise to others - including the Academy - and concluded by stating he is "a work in progress".

Chris is yet to break his silence on the matter, but it had been confirmed that the actor declined to file a police report on the night.

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