Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor Defends Will Smith's Oscars Slap

Actress Aunjanue EllisTaylor has publicly defended her "King Richard" costar Will Smith's infamous slap of comedian Chris Rock at the 2022 Academy Awards, expressing support more than four years after the incident. In a recent interview on The Daily Beast's "Obsessed" podcast, the Oscar-nominated actress said she understood Smith's motivation to protect his wife, Jada Pinkett Smith.

The incident occurred on March 27, 2022, during the live broadcast of the Oscars. After Chris Rock made a joke about Jada Pinkett Smith's shaved head, comparing her to "G.I. Jane," Will Smith walked on stage and slapped Rock. He then returned to his seat and shouted at Rock to keep his wife's name out of his mouth. Pinkett Smith has alopecia, a condition that causes hair loss. Later that evening, Smith won the Best Actor award for his role in "King Richard."

EllisTaylor, who portrayed Oracene "Brandy" Price in that film, stated on the podcast, "I know that he wanted to protect his wife, and I stand by that. I stand with him for that." Her comments mark a continued stance of support from a prominent colleague.

The actress also challenged the notion that free speech should shield individuals from all...