Will Smith is reportedly heading into therapy to deal with the "unresolved childhood issues" that saw him lash out at Chris Rock at the Oscars.
The Fresh Prince star has spent days shrouded in controversy after he stormed the stage at Sunday night's ceremony and slapped the comedian across the face.
It happened after Chris made a joke about Will's wife Jada, suggesting she would be starring in GI Jane 2 in reference to Demi Moore famously shaving her hair for the role.
But Jada, who has alopecia, was upset by his comments and Will stormed to defend her.
He's issued a grovelling apology and now, sources close to him say he was "deeply triggered" by Chris' comments as they took him back to his traumatic childhood.
The actor's friends claim he felt like a "coward" for failing to intervene when he saw his father beating his mother when he was just nine years old.
A source close to Mark Manson, who co-wrote the star's 2021 memoir, told The Sun : "Will knows he’s battling to save his career, his reputation and even his Oscar. He’s horrified by the turn of events and is filled with a deep sense of shame.
"He is happy to have some more therapy for his unresolved childhood issues and will do what he can to make good on his momentary lapse in judgment.
"Essentially, though, Will was deeply triggered by Chris’ demeaning comments about his wife’s alopecia. He was taken straight back to childhood, seeing his mum getting abused by his dad."
The insider said that Will retaliated "this time" but that unfortunately it had been in front of 50 million people.
There's still no word on whether Will is going to be able to keep his Oscar.
He had taken to the stage moments after the incident on Sunday to accept the Best Actor gong for his role in King Richard.
The Academy said in a statement the following day: "The Academy condemns the actions of Mr Smith at last night's show. We will explore further action and consequences in accordance with our bylaws, standards of conduct and California law."
Will said in his own social media statement: "Violence in all of its forms is poisonous and destructive.
"My behaviour 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.
"I would like to publicly apologise to you, Chris. I was out of line."
He added: "I deeply regret that my behaviour has stained what has been an otherwise gorgeous journey for all of us. I am a work in progress."
The Mirror has contacted Will's representatives for comment.
