Scarlett Johansson Insists There's ''Nothing at All Strange, Creepy or Inappropriate'' About John Travolta: His Kiss Was ''Welcome''

A photo of Travolta giving ScarJo a peck on the cheek at the Oscars went viral after she appeared to be giving him major side eye

By Natalie Finn Feb 27, 2015 12:07 AMTags
Scarlett Johansson, John Travolta, 2015 Academy Awards, CandidsKevin Mazur/WireImage

Scarlett Johansson insists that John Travolta did not overstep.

Despite it looking as though she were giving a little side eye at the time, the actress said in a statement Thursday that there was nothing wrong with the kiss Travolta planted on her cheek at the Oscars last Sunday. The moment of contact, during which he also had his hand on her waist and she at least appeared to not be welcoming the exchange, immediately went viral.

"There is nothing strange, creepy or inappropriate about John Travolta," Johansson told the AP, her comment coming in response to the aforementioned online hubbub that ensued. "He is a true class act and everyone in the business would agree.

"The image that is circulating is an unfortunate still-frame from a live-action encounter that was very sweet and totally welcome. That still photo does not reflect what preceded and followed if you see the moment live. Yet another way we are misguided, misinformed and sensationalized by the 24-hour news cycle. I haven't seen John in some years and it is always a pleasure to be greeted by him."

So perhaps it was more of a Kodak moment than anyone realized.

Johansson starred with Travolta in 2004's A Love Song for Bobby Long, for which the actress received a Golden Globe Award nomination for Best Actress in a Motion Picture, Drama.

Travolta's rep, meanwhile, previously assured that the other moment the actor is being remembered for this awards season—giving Idina Menzel's face a few good strokes when they presented Best Original Song together—was totally planned.

Though a source also told E! News that Travolta started touching her face right before they went onstage, and not during formal rehearsal, the rep told People it was "rehearsed in total. John Travolta loved working with Idina Menzel. John had a great time at the Oscars because his wife, Kelly Preston, and his daughter, Ella, were in attendance with him."