Scarlett Johansson has defended John Travolta after an awkward picture of the actor greeting her on the Oscars red carpet was used to poke fun at him on the internet.

The Avengers actress called her fellow screen star “a class act” and denounced the image of the two on the Academy Awards red carpet as “an unfortunate still-frame” that doesn’t reflect a “totally sweet and totally welcome” encounter.

In an exclusive statement to The Associated Press, Scarlett said “there is nothing strange, creepy or inappropriate about John Travolta”.

This snap taken a moment later tells a different story (KEVIN DIETSCH/LANDOV)
This snap taken a moment later tells a different story (Kevin Dietsch/Landov)

Travolta greeted Scarlett at the Oscars on Sunday with a kiss and his arm around her waist. The photo has since been turned into an internet meme mocking the moment, alongside images of Travolta touching of Idina Menzel’s face while presenting at the Los Angeles ceremony.

Travolta has said him touching Frozen star Idina's face was a pre-agreed stunt (John Shearer/AP)
Travolta has said him touching Frozen star Idina’s face was a pre-agreed stunt (John Shearer/AP)

“The image that is circulating is an unfortunate still-frame from a live-action encounter that was very sweet and totally welcome,” said Scarlett.

“That still photo does not reflect what preceded and followed if you see the moment live. Yet another way we are misguided, misinformed and sensationalised 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.”

Scarlett and Travolta at the premiere for their film A Love Song For Bobby Long in 2004 (TAMMIE ARROYO/AP)
Scarlett and Travolta at the premiere for their film A Love Song For Bobby Long in 2004 (Tammie Arroyo/AP)

Scarlett and Travolta co-starred in the 2004 drama A Love Song for Bobby Long.