Theron "shocked" by Will Smith slap

Rex Features

Charlize Theron has admitted that she was "shocked" when Will Smith slapped her on the set of their upcoming film Hancock.

A scene in the superhero blockbuster required Smith to strike Theron across the face. However, despite practising a "fake slap" several times, Smith managed to make contact with his co-star.

WENN quotes Theron as saying: "He tried to fake slap me one time, but the fake one just didn't happen. We're still debating this one. I think he just hit me! Will claims I leaned into his hand and that's how it happened. I was so shocked! I was like, 'He just slapped me!' But he said, 'I did not slap you. I had my hand there and you turned into it.'"

Theron added that the incident didn't have a detrimental effect on their friendship: "We're just like kids, it's so much fun. He's not a woman beater!"