Scott Morrison ‘understands why’ Will Smith slapped Chris Rock because he’s defensive of wife Jenny 

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has said he ‘understands’ why Will Smith came to the defence of his wife at the Oscars.

In an interview on Brisbane radio on Thursday morning, the prime minister was asked whether he ever felt the need to slap someone in parliament.  

‘I’m also fiercely defensive of anyone who would say anything about Jenny too, so I can understand it,’ he said in response.

Mr Morrison said he could understand why some men could resort to physical violence but added ‘that’s not how you roll’.

‘I’m also fiercely defensive of anyone who would say anything about Jenny too, so I can understand it,’ Mr Morrison said of Will Smith slapping host Chris Rock at the Oscars ceremony

Hollywood star Smith, 53, was forced to apologise after striding on stage and slapping Oscars host Rock, 57, at Monday’s ceremony.

An angry Smith returned to his seat and shouted twice at Rock: ‘Leave my wife’s name out of your f***ing mouth.’ 

Smith’s act occurred after Rock had made a bad-taste joke referencing the bald head of Smith’s wife, Jada Pinkett Smith. 

Shortly after, Smith was announced as the winner of the best actor award and went up to collect his statuette to a standing ovation from many of his peers. 

Will Smith collects his Oscar after being named Best Actor, shortly after he’d stormed the stage to angrily slap the show’s host, Chris Rock

On Wednesday the Academy said it had launched ‘disciplinary procedures’ against Smith, and confirmed he ignored their request for him to leave his seat.

Smith was asked to leave by David Rubin, the president of the Academy, and CEO Dawn Hudson, TMZ reported.

Two sources told the site Rubin and Hudson were ‘furious’ at Smith, and there was plenty of ‘yelling’ and ‘heated conversations’ backstage with his reps after the incident.

One source said the Academy officials were ‘apoplectic.’

Rock, who is yet to respond to Smith’s attack or his apology.