Hollywood reacts with shock after Will Smith hits Chris Rock at Oscars

Will Smith hits presenter Chris Rock on stage at the Oscars (Chris Pizzello/AP)

Will Smith’s son Jaden and Tennis star Serena Williams are among the stars who expressed both shock and support after the Hollywood actor hit Chris Rock on stage at the Oscars.

Smith appeared to take offence at a gag comedian Rock made about wife Jada Pinkett Smith’s short haircut before taking to the stage and striking him in front of the star-studded audience at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.