The audience has been left speechless after ugly scenes erupted at the Oscars ceremony in Los Angeles.

Actor Will Smith stormed on stage to hit comedian Chris Rock as he presented an award.

The assault came after Rock made a G.I. Jane joke about Will Smith’s wife, Jada Pinkett Smith, who has alopecia.

A furious Smith returned to his seat where he launched a verbal attack on Rock on live TV.

Here’s the moment Chris Rock made a “G.I. Jane 2” joke about Jada Pinkett Smith, prompting Will Smith to punch him and yell, “Leave my wife’s name out of your f–king mouth.” #Oscars pic.twitter.com/kHTZXI6kuL

— Variety (@Variety) March 28, 2022

“That is a moment that has quite obviously gone utterly off script,” Herald Sun entertainment reporter Fiona Byrne told Dee Dee.

Press PLAY below to hear Dee Dee and Herald Sun entertainment reporter Fiona Byrne discussing the violent outburst

Will Smith won best actor for his role in King Richard soon after the violent outburst.

In his puzzling acceptance speech, the actor said “love will make you do crazy things”.

Press PLAY below to hear the bizarre acceptance speech

Image: Neilson Barnard/Getty Images