Omari Hardwick received quite a bit of backlash for greeting Beyoncé with a kiss during the NAACP Image Awards.

» RELATED: Beyoncé, 'Black Panther' win at 50th NAACP Image Awards

Over the weekend, the actor, who hails from Savannah, pecked the singer twice — once on the cheek and once near the mouth.

When video of the exchange surfaced, people criticized Hardwick on social media and debated about how women should be addressed.

Several said Hardwick’s salutation was over the top, calling it “unnecessary” and “disrespectful.”

Others said Beyoncé looked uncomfortable after her embrace with Hardwick.

Many thought he should have opted for a handshake instead of a kiss.

And a few believed fans were overreacting and said “awkward” moments even happen with celebrities.

» RELATED: Jay-Z and Beyoncé dedicate GLAAD award to her uncle

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Michael Bahsil as the titular character in "Young John Lewis." (Courtesy of Casey Gardner Ford)

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