(Cover) - EN Showbiz - Will Smith has no regrets about slapping a reporter across the face last week.

The Hollywood star was promoting his new movie Men in Black III at a premiere in Russia on Friday, when the incident took place. Will insists he was provoked after the Ukrainian man pecked him on both cheeks before trying to kiss him on the mouth.

He was clearly shocked by the incident and angrily brushed the guy away, before giving him a backhanded smack.

"I didn't beat up a guy! I was in Moscow and we were doing an interview," Will explained on US TV show Late Night with David Letterman. "[The journalist] says, 'I'm your biggest fan, can I have a hug please?' So I go to give this joker a hug and he, like, tries to lean in and kiss me It's just awkward."

Will also revealed that organisers of the event apologised to him afterwards.

The reporter is apparently renowned for pulling embarrassing stunts on celebrities.

"They told me this is his schtick," Will explained. "[So I replied] Well, that's why his ass got schtuck." (C) Cover Media