Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor defends Will Smith over infamous Oscars slap

Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor stands by Will Smith over the Oscars slap, saying free speech should not excuse harmful acts

Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor has spoken in support of her King Richard co-star Will Smith over his controversial 2022 Oscars slap involving comedian Chris Rock.

Ellis-Taylor, who portrayed Oracene Price, the mother of tennis stars Venus and Serena Williams, in the Oscar-winning biopic, discussed the incident during an appearance on The Daily Beast’s Obsessed podcast.

Smith made headlines in March 2022 when he walked onto the Academy Awards stage and slapped Rock after the comedian made a joke about Jada Pinkett Smith’s shaved head. Pinkett Smith has alopecia, a condition that causes hair loss.

Smith later returned to his seat and shouted at Rock before winning the Academy Award for Best Actor for King Richard. The incident sparked widespread controversy and had lasting consequences for the actor’s career.

Ellis-Taylor said she understood Smith’s motivation, explaining that she believed he was trying to protect his wife.

“I stand by that. I stand with him for that,” she said.

The actor also discussed her views on freedom of speech and the First Amendment, arguing that free speech should not be used as an excuse to cause harm. She referenced her Mississippi background and said she had encountered speech defending the Confederate flag.

The Academy subsequently banned Smith from attending its events for 10 years. Smith also apologised to Rock in a social media statement the day after the ceremony, describing his actions as unacceptable and inexcusable.

Despite the controversy, Ellis-Taylor said she continues to have great affection for Smith because of his conduct while working on King Richard. She praised him for ensuring people on the set were treated respectfully and said such behaviour was rare in the entertainment industry.