Will Smith slaps journalist who tries to kiss him

Actor Will Smith is greeted by an over-affectionate reporter from Ukrainian television channel 1+1, Vitalii Sediuk, at the red carpet premiere of "Men in Black 3," in Moscow Friday, May 18, 2012. / YouTube

(AP) MOSCOW - Hollywood star Will Smith slapped a male television reporter who he said tried to kiss him on the lips as he walked down the red carpet for the Moscow premiere of "Men in Black 3."

The reporter from the Ukrainian television channel 1+1, Vitalii Sediuk, made headlines at the Venice Film Festival in September when he presented a bouquet of clearly unappreciated purple hydrangeas to Madonna and called her "my princess."

Smith was even less charmed by the reporter, who approached him on the carpet outside the movie theater on Friday night and tried to kiss him.

"C'mon man, what the hell is your problem, buddy?" Smith said as he pushed Serdiuk away and slapped him lightly across the cheek with the back of his left hand.

"He's lucky I didn't sucker punch him," Smith said to the crowd of journalists and fans. "Oh, I said that on camera! It's all good."

He said Serdiuk kissed him on the mouth, but it was not clear whether the reporter intended to do so or was aiming for his cheek as Smith swiveled to avoid him.

Video of the incident was posted by a Russian news site. (See player below)

Madonna rebuffed Sediuk rather ungraciously in Venice, saying: "I absolutely loathe hydrangeas." She stashed the flowers under a table before beginning a press conference.

She later made a short silent video called "Madonna's love letter to hydrangeas." The video begins with a sarcastic apology and concludes with subtitles reading "I'm left with the feeling that I still hate hydrangeas."

[REDGUN53]

Will should have punched the guy. Self-defense, he had already been assaulted.

[KPeters_from_UK]

Sediuk should be fired. This guy is obviously a troll. All he wants is to make a name for himself by creating bizarre moments some verging on assault. Watch, he'll do it again with some other star.

[steve_cbs]

In Russia, the reporter's actions are equal to a friendly handshake here. Before jumping to conclusions, research "cheek kissing".

[KPeters_from_UK]

I live in Europe and travel quite a bit on the continent. No way is this allowed. First, they were not introduced properly. Second, the journalist and Smith have not known each other prior. Third, it look very aggressive to me and was not intended as a gesture between consenting persons (yes, a mature Russian sane person would know when cheek kissing is appropriate). Finally, the number of kisses depends on how long two people have known each other. In some parts of France, four kisses is the norm for good friends but again they have to have known each other.

[Jaylah54]

Putting people in a head lock has nothing to do with "cheek kissing."

[takacrat]

Will, this is what you get when you act like a Will-In, Happy Gay-lucky He-She in Movies, live with it, or act like a Man, All the Time!

[Montana5]

Hey CBS- How long is nothing story going to be in the headlines? Two days of play and NO ONE CARES.

[lillyhorton]

Maybe Will should close his mouth for once a kiss wouldn't have been anything. The reporter got it after the push but Will had to continue by stretching his arm way out slapping him. A debonair would have pushed, gracefully decline on such show of afection but this is Will Smith from the US. where Debonair does not exist.

[Molly-Pchr]

BS! He'd get more then a slap from me. Maybe you want some stranger's disgusting saliva on your face, but Mr. Smith doesn't apparently, and neither would I. People step way over their boundaries nowadays, and even though Smith is a "famous" person doesn't give one the right to take such liberties. Slap him one time for me, Will!!

[lillyhorton]

Molly. I said the reporter got the message but will reached out to slap which was uncalled for. I understand that there are **** phobes and germa phobes but in this situation striking the man just goes to show Will, probably you, have no self control and base your charactor on the actions of others. State your boundries firmly with your words not your fists or sissy fingers as was the case of Will Smith.

[pbaird2]

A kiss on one or both cheeks is an appropriate greeting in many cultures but always between two people who are mutually showing respect for the other. This reporter did violate this cultural practice by inserting himself upon a stranger who was not properly introduced. While not an assault it is definitely inappropriate and deserved the rebuff by Will Smith.

[technocoffee]

I don't blame him ONE BIT!! Some people who are total strangers have no sense; and some of us (unless it's close family or friends) DO NOT like people putting their hands/lips on us!!!

[yougogirl60]

The lesson here, people, STAY OUT OF OTHER PEOPLE'S SPACES AND YOU WON'T BE CLOSE ENOUGH TO GET SLAPPED! SIMPLE!

[afcw1969]

Will could show appreciation for such affection. Vitali may actually like his films and be his fan.

[Ben37221]

Appreciation for what? assult.

[Molly-Pchr]

Right, Ben, it was disgusting. Assault is more like it.