Will Smith's full Oscar speech just minutes after attacking Chris Rock on stage

Actor Will Smith delivered an emotional speech following his Oscar win, just minutes after striking comedian Chris Rock across the face on stage at the 94th Academy Awards. Rock made a joke about Smith's wife, Jada Pinkett Smith, referencing her buzzcut hairstyle by quipping: "Jada, can’t wait for GI Jane 2."

Pinkett Smith has been open about her battle with alopecia and hair loss. On a previous episode of her show Red Table Talk, she said 'handfuls of hair' came loose in the shower.

The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air star initially appeared to laugh at the joke, but then got up on stage and slapped Rock across the face. He then returned to his seat and yelled: 'Keep my wife’s name out of your ******* mouth.'

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Rock appeared shocked and flustered as he tried to resume presenting the best documentary feature category. Just minutes later, Smith went on to win the best actor award for biographical sports film King Richard.

Smith stars in the American blockbuster as the father and coach of famed tennis players Venus and Serena Williams. Accepting his Oscar, he apologised to the academy - but not to presenter Rock - and said: “Richard Williams was a fierce defender of his family."

He added that 'love will make you do crazy things' and that he is being called on in his life 'to love people.' He also paid tribute to his mum, who he said would be watching with her 'knitting friends.'

In full, the actor said in his winning speech: "Richard Williams was a fierce defender of his family. In this time in my life, in this moment, I am overwhelmed by what God is calling on me to do and be in this world. Making this film, I got to protect Aunjanue Ellis,