Scarlett Johansson defends 'class act' John Travolta over Oscars red carpet kiss

Better late than never! Scarlett Johansson is finally speaking up about that awkward-looking encounter with John Travolta this week at the Oscars.

In an exclusive statement to the Associated Press, the 30-year-old actress called the photo that launched numerous Internet memes "an unfortunate still-frame from a live-action encounter that was totally sweet and totally welcome".

Erm, OK. If you say so, Scarlett.

The Internet went wild after John, 61, was snapped with his arm around Scarlett's waist while kissing her cheek. Later he got touchy-feely with Idina Menzel, 43, while presenting the Best Original Song Oscar.

Creepy much? Not to Scarlett, who co-starred with John in the 2004 movie A Love Song for Bobby Long.

"There is nothing at all strange, creepy or inappropriate about John Travolta," she added, calling him a "class act".

Scarlett's diplomacy, however, doesn't extend to the media. She dismissed the uproar over the red carpet moment as "yet another way we are misguided, misinformed and sensationalized by the 24-hour news cycle".