10 Things You Didn't Know About Will Smith

By Rachel Bailey /

7. He Once Backhanded A Reporter

May 2012 saw one of the most well-behaved, media-friendly men in showbiz backhand a reporter who tried to get a little too close. The reporter apparently has a habit of trying to kiss celebrities after he interviews them. Smith appears ok with a bit of a hug, but when the guy made multiple attempts to kiss Will on the mouth, Smith shoved the reporter away and gave him a backhand to the face. Let's not go OTT here: it wasn€™t a violent slap, more of a disciplinary €œwhat is wrong with you?€ kind of slap, and with that simple gesture, Will stripped that reporter of any pride he may have had. Despite crossing a line, the internet's reaction to the slap was pretty positive, being described by some as 'the coolest thing Will Smith has done in years'.