Piers Morgan says it was “engrossing” watching Will Smith slap Chris Rock on stage.

Former GMB presenter Piers, 56, admitted he expected the ceremony to “develop into a series of increasingly lithe speeches about Ukraine signaling virtue”.

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Will Smith’s mom opens up about the infamous Oscar slap

Piers Morgan has said he found it “engrossing” to see Will Smith slap Chris Rock at the Oscars on Sunday.

The former GMB presenter, 56, admitted he expected the ceremony to “develop into a series of always unctuous speeches about Ukraine signaling virtue”.

However, he said he was pleasantly surprised to see the chaos erupt on stage.

Speaking to Fox News, he said: “I expected last night to turn into a series of increasingly unctuous speeches about Ukraine signaling virtue.

“But instead, a real personal war broke out on stage between two bonafide ‘A’ superstars and it was absolutely captivating.”

Some Twitter users weren’t impressed by his suggestion that the show of violence made the ceremony more exciting, with one writing, “yes sadly some people still find violence ‘engrossing’!”

While another commented: “Captivating? Awkward.”

It comes after Will, whose Oscar win is now “under review” after his behavior, apologized to Chris Rock on Tuesday.

Comedian Chris, 57, had referenced alopecia sufferer Jada Pinkett Smith’s shaved head while joking that he couldn’t wait for GI Jane 2.

Although Will initially appeared to be laughing, his demeanor seemed to change abruptly when he stormed onto the stage and punched Chris in the face on live television.

Will wrote on social media: “Violence in all its forms is toxic and destructive. My behavior at the Oscars last night was unacceptable and inexcusable.

“Jokes at my expense are part of the job, but a joke about Jada’s health was too much for me and I reacted emotionally.

“I want to publicly apologize to you, Chris. I was out of line and I was wrong. I’m embarrassed and my actions were not indicative of the man I want to be. There is no place for violence in a world of love and kindness.

“I also want to apologize to the Academy, the producers of the show, all contestants and all viewers around the world.”

Serena and Venus were in the audience watching as Will accepted the Oscar for playing their father in the film, and Will also addressed them as he apologized for his violent outburst that overshadowed what would have been a momentous occasion should be.

“I would like to apologize to the Williams family and my King Richard family. I deeply regret that my behavior has marred an otherwise great journey for all of us,” he concluded.

“I’m a work in progress. Sincerely, Will.”.