Will Smith Got Caught Saying “He’s Lucky I Didn’t Sucker Punch Him” On The Red Carpet

As if the acting part isn’t stressful enough, celebs must also make appearances all over the world to promote whatever film they’re currently trying to sell.

It doesn’t always go smoothly, just ask the likes of Jim Carrey, or even Samuel L. Jackson, who were both involved in some awkward interviews in the past. Heck, David Letterman alone has a top-ten-worthy list of hard-to-watch interviews.

Will Smith can join that list, as he completely snapped while walking the red carpet during the MIB premiere in Russia. A reporter by the name of Vitalii Sediuk may have crossed the line and clearly, Smith was not pleased with what went down.

Updated on March 28, 2022: Interestingly enough, this wouldn’t be the last time that Will Smith made the news because of a slap. At the 94th Academy Awards on March 27, 2022, Will Smith made headlines for his shocking and unscripted confrontation with Chris Rock. After Rock made a joke about Jada Pinkett Smith’s hair (whether or not Rock knew about her alopecia remains unclear), Will Smith walked right onto the stage and slapped Rock in the face.

Soon after, Will Smith was named Best Actor for his performance in King Richard. In his acceptance speech, Smith apologized to the Academy and his fellow nominees, and he explained how he feels called on “to love people and to protect people,” in the spirit of Richard Williams himself.

Will Smith Snapped At A Reporter For Kissing Him On The Red Carpet During The ‘Men In Black’ Premiere In Russia

It started off completely innocently, with a reporter extremely excited to meet Will Smith. As it would be revealed later, the reporter was a huge fan and watched a lot of the actor’s work.

Well, unfortunately for him, things would take a bad turn. He was a little too aggressive with the way he approached the star, grabbing him and going for two kisses on the cheek. It was later revealed that this was part of his shtick when interviewing celebrities… well, Smith didn’t get the memo, and he was none too pleased.

Following the kisses, Smith pulled the host off, and he was extremely displeased, so much that he would even throw a backhanded slap. At that point, things got extremely awkward.

As Will Smith was walking away and going off to his next interview, he could be heard saying, “He’s lucky I didn’t sucker punch him.”

Once Smith realized the cameras were still rolling he said, “oops, did I say that on TV?”

The interviewer, in fairness, did show remorse for his actions, as he gave an interview of his own, apologizing to the star.

The Reporter Tried To Apologize To Will Smith For His Behavior

On Hip Hollywood, the interviewer, who went absolutely viral, would explain himself. The general feeling is that he pulled the stunt for fame, though he was quick to turn down that notion, claiming he’s interviewed the likes of Madonna and Bill Clinton in the past.

Right after the moment took place, the reporter was off to the hotel and later the train station. It was at that point that he was already met by more media, asking him if he was going to sue following what had taken place

The interviewer completely laughed it off, and he was apologetic about his actions, regretting what had taken place.

Fans weren’t as accepting, and that includes Jay-Z, who praised Smith for his reaction during the awkward moment.

Jay-Z And The Fans Praised Will Smith For His Authentic Reaction

After the moment took place, Smith feared that fans would be upset with the way he reacted. However, especially in this day and age, fans are more understanding than ever before. Out of all people, that would also include Jay-Z, who called Smith after the incident took place, praising his behavior.

Smith retold the story of their conversation to The Fader. “I get back and I’m pissed that somebody thinks because you’re famous, they get to do whatever they want to do to you,” Smith says on the podcast. “So I’m in my room and I had ten urgent messages from JAY-Z.

“So I call him and say, ‘What’s up?’ He sounds winded,” Smith says to clarify Jay could barely talk through laughter. “He said, ‘I just saw the video of you slapping the dude in Russia. I just want you to know you’ll never make a better piece of entertainment. It’s the funniest thing I’ve ever seen.’ He said, ‘Me and Bey, we got a show tonight, and we’re thinking about canceling it and just staying in and watching you slap this dude.’”

Fans on YouTube would also take Smith’s side.

“People saying “Will over reacted” or “is that all” how would you react if a guy tried to kiss a female person on the red carpet? everyone would call him a pervert and a creep then. What Will did was totally right.”

“Love that he was able to slap a man on camera and still somehow come off as polite and charming about it. haha.”

“It wasn’t a normal reporter. His name is Vitalii Sediuk and he’s a prankster that messes with celebrities a lot. Look him up. Also it’s very clear in the video that he was intentionally trying to kiss him on the lips to annoy him. I mean ffs just look at how he’s kissing him lol.”

It seems like Smith might’ve made the right decision.