The double-amputee athlete, nicknamed Blade Runner, was making his first court appearance since the multiple shooting at his home that left the 29-year-old model Reeva Steenkamp dead.
Pistorius denied murder "in the strongest terms", his family and management made clear in a statement, offering their "deepest sympathy" to Steenkamp's family.
Inside the packed courtroom in Pretoria broke down "Take it easy," the chief magistrate Desmond Nair told him. "Come take a seat."
As proceedings continued, Pistorius repeatedly lost his composure. When the magistrate used the phase "premeditated murder" the athlete slumped forward as if trying to bend over double, his head bowed, sobbing and shaking uncontrollably.
He remained inconsolable and silent throughout, a lonely man in a crowded room.
The Afrikaans-language Beeld newspaper said Steenkamp was shot four times, in the head, chest, pelvis and hand. "The security guards found Pistorius by Steenkamp's body in the bathroom," the paper said, citing a neighbour. "The door had bullet holes right through it." Police have not disclosed details and there has been no verification of the claim.
Meanwhile, South Africa's M-Net cable TV channel pulled adverts featuring Pistorius off air but most of his sponsors, including Nike, said they would not make any decisions until the police investigation was completed.
Pistorius's endorsements and sponsorships, which also include BT, Oakley and the French designer Thierry Mugler, are thought to be worth as much as $2m a year.
Acquaintances of Pistorius, including a former girlfriend, spoke out on social media. Trish Taylor, mother of Pistorius's ex-girlfriend Samantha Taylor, wrote on Facebook:
"I'm so glad Sammy is safe and out of the clutches of that man."
Another ex-girlfriend, Jenna Edkins, defended Pistorius on Twitter.
"All I am saying is let him speak, let his side be heard without jumping to conclusions," Edkins wrote.
She offered "love and support" to the Pistorius family and added:
"I have dated Oscar on and off for 5 YEARS, NOT ONCE has he EVER lifted a finger to me or made me fear for my life."
Police said investigators had conducted an autopsy on Steenkamp's body but the results would not be published. A memorial service will be held in her home city, Port Elizabeth, on Tuesday.
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