Serena Williams has broken her silence and defended the shocking moment Will Smith slapped Chris Rock at the Oscars almost a year ago.

Speaking to Gayle King on CBS Mornings, the tennis star said that everyone deserves forgiveness after the actor jumped on stage and shocked audiences across the world with his actions.

Serena Williams (pictured) has broken her silence on what she really thinks about the Will Smith and Chris Rock Oscars slap.

But the awards night was overshadowed after he slapped Chris Rock at the Oscars in March last year, making international headlines.

Following the incident, Will was seen partying the night away with his family at the Vanity Fair Oscars bash, dancing to his own song Gettin' Jiggy Wit It as crowds cheered him on.

He also added that when he got home after the ceremony, his nine-year-old nephew was waiting and had seen the slap, asking him, 'Why did you hit that man, Uncle Will?'