He was dubbed as the Oscars’ Creep, but Scarlett Johansson claims that John Travolta’s kiss was actually a friendly gesture. The Pulp Fiction actor caused a stir when he pulled her in for an unexpected peck while putting his arm around her waist. Despite the awkward photo, which seemed to capture Scarlett in a state of shock, she maintains that the encounter was a greeting at the event.
The recent photo of Scarlett Johansson being kissed by John Travolta at the Oscars has caused quite a stir, but the actress has set the record straight. Johansson dismissed any notions of inappropriateness, emphasizing that there is nothing strange or creepy about Travolta. In fact, she praised the actor as a ‘class act’ in a statement to the press. According to Johansson, the viral photo was taken out of context and the moment was actually sweet and pleasant. She explained that the still image doesn’t do justice to the live interaction between them.
Challenge accepted: Speaking to AP, the 30-year-old, seen in Los Angeles last Thursday, shared that the encounter was positively received.
Elegant: The actress described the 61-year-old as a sophisticated individual and mentioned that she hadn’t crossed paths with him in a long time.
Behind the scenes: In a more low-key moment, Scarlett is captured joyfully hugging the actor. “I haven’t seen John in a while, so it’s always nice to catch up with him,” Scarlett shared, as she was spotted in Los Angeles. Later that evening, Travolta was teased for touching Idina Menzel’s face, a year after he famously mispronounced her name at the Oscars. The two were paired to present together after Travolta’s blunder introducing her as ‘Adele Dazeem’ the previous year.
Timing was not on her side: Johansson explained that the photo in question was a “regrettable moment captured from a lovely and welcomed live interaction.”
John Travolta and Idina Menzel had some fun joking about the infamous DazeemGate incident from last year. Travolta’s representative clarified that the playful face touching was all part of the act.
I felt a shiver down my spine as the internet quickly became flooded with amusing memes of the interaction. In a comical twist, Idina playfully introduced her co-presenter as her ‘close pal, Glom Gazingo’. The situation took a slightly uncomfortable turn when the iconic Saturday Night Fever actor repeatedly touched the face of the Frozen singer.
Despite the awkwardness, Travolta’s spokesperson later stated that the entire moment was planned and rehearsed in advance.
Encounter with extraterrestrial beings: Sigourney Weaver found herself in an awkward situation as her image was digitally altered to appear to be in a fake embrace.
Keeping quiet isn’t an option: The Russian leader found himself in the crosshairs once again, while Johansson appeared unable to shake off the hold while filming the Avengers.