Richard Williams has spoken out to defend Will Smith for slapping comedian Chris Rock at the Oscars in 2022.
The famous father of tennis champions Venus and Serena has given a rare interview to the UK breakfast show Good Morning Britain where he gives his take on the shocking moment that took place last year at the 94th Academy Awards on March 27, 2022.
Hollywood star Will plays Richard in the Oscar-winning biopic King Richard and the paternal figure admitted that he "didn't feel sorry" for Chris when Will struck him.
Richard - who has recently recovered from a series of strokes and a health crisis - also reaffirmed his support for Will as he spoke about the incident sparked by Chris' comments about Jada Pinkett-Smith's alopecia struggle.
He said: “I’ll always stand by him. I think he has done the best thing he needed to do, but I would never be disgusted with Mr Smith. Matter of fact, I appreciate Mr Smith.”
Asked again about the incident he reiterated: “I don’t see nothing wrong with that.”
The 81-year-old then continued as he admitted “I don't feel sorry for no one” and stressed that “it’s time for everyone to forgive Will Smith."
He also justified the reaction based on what Will heard Chris say about Jada and her health struggles on the night.
He added: “I’m 81 years old but when I was about 51 years or younger, I almost killed any damn one, so I think Mr Smith did a great deal not to.”
Richard also suggest that Will's Oscar ban should be lifted and gave a heartfelt message to the talented actor who depicted him in King Richard.
He quipped: "I’ll say my message to Mr Smith right now. Thank you very much for being so good-looking, so handsome!”
Will caused a worldwide sensation when he got out of his seat at the Oscars ceremony and walked on stage to slap Chris on the face after he jibed at Jada.
While presenting for the best documentary feature category, the comedian decided to throw a jibe about Jada Pinkett Smith's shaved head.
He said: "Jada, can't wait for GI Jane 2."
Will - who was less than impressed with the quip- walked up to the stage and slapped the presenter, before returning to his seat.
From his seat, Will screamed out "Keep my wife's name out of your f****** mouth."
The comedian's joke was a reference to the 1997 movie G.I Jane - which starred Demi Moore sporting a buzzcut similar to Jada's.
“Wow, Will Smith just smacked the s**t out of me,” Chris joked with the audience.
He also said: "That was the greatest night in the history of television."
Later on in the evening, Will went on to win his first Oscar for his performance in King Richard and apologised on stage for his previous actions.
While on stage accepting his award, he said: "I want to apologise to the Academy, I want to apologise to all my fellow nominees."
The star was tearful as he made his speech for what was his first-ever Oscars win.
He continued: "This is a beautiful moment and I'm not crying for winning an award, it's not about winning an award for me, it's about being able to shine a light on all of the people.
"Art imitates life, I look like the crazy father, just like they said about Richard Williams, but love will make you do crazy things."
After paying a beautiful tribute to his mother and other members of his family he added: "Thank you for this honour, thank you for this moment...I hope the Academy invites me back."
Jada previously explained that she shaves her head due to her alopecia, which is a condition that causes hair loss.
She had taken to Instagram last year to show off her buzzcut and opened up about her struggles with the autoimmune disorder.
