'I'm Ditching My Wig In Public After The Oscars Row,' Says Alopecia Sufferer

After the Oscars incident heightened awareness, a woman who had hidden her alopecia for 17 years said she felt more confidence going out without a wig.

Laura Mathias, 30, from Manningtree, Essex, expressed her hope that other bald people will join her in defying Chris Rock's joke.

"One good thing that has come out of this horrible incident is that so many more people are aware about alopecia," she remarked.

"Normally, going out without a wig gives me a lot of anxiety.

"However, I now believe that enough people are aware of my condition and would not assume I have cancer or another ailment and look at me with pity."

A video of Will Smith slapping Chris Rock in the face on stage at the Oscars has gone viral and spurred numerous discussions on the condition.

The comedian made a joke on Jada Pinkett Smith, the actor's wife, who had shaved her head due to alopecia. It is estimated that at least 65,000 persons in the UK are affected.

Ms Mathias said the actor's abuse was unacceptable in a post on Instagram, where she chronicles her life with alopecia.

She believes Will Smith did the right thing in stating that making jokes about his wife's hair loss was inappropriate, but she wishes he had done so with words.