Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, the actress known for her role in ‘King Richard’, has come out in defence of Will Smith following his contentious slap of Chris Rock at the 2022 Academy Awards. In an appearance on The Daily Beast’s ‘Obsessed’ podcast on August 12, Ellis-Taylor expressed her understanding of Smith’s actions, asserting that he was simply trying to protect his wife, Jada Pinkett Smith.
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During the podcast, the 57-year-old actress remarked, “I know that he wanted to protect his wife, and I stand by that. I think that this idea that First Amendment rights should protect everybody—I don’t think it should necessarily protect a–holes.” Her comments highlight a shift in the public discourse surrounding the incident, which has sparked ongoing conversation about the intersections of fame, personal boundaries, and societal expectations.
The altercation, which unfolded during the Oscars ceremony, saw Smith walk onto the stage after Chris Rock made a joke about Pinkett Smith’s shaved head. Rock’s quip, referencing the actress’s appearance with the words, “Jada, I love you. G.I. Jane 2, can’t wait to see it!” was deemed inappropriate by many, as Pinkett Smith has been open about her struggles with alopecia, a condition that causes hair loss.
Following the exchange, Smith slapped Rock and returned to his seat, yelling, “Keep my wife’s name out of your f—ing mouth!” This incident dominated headlines and overshadowed Smith’s subsequent win for Best Actor that night for his portrayal of Richard Williams, the father of tennis champions Venus and Serena Williams. The fallout from the altercation resulted in Smith resigning from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and facing a decade-long ban from attending Academy events.
Ellis-Taylor, who was also nominated for Best Supporting Actress that evening for her role in the same film, reflected on her positive experiences working alongside Smith, stating, “He just would not allow anybody to be treated poorly in his presence. And I cannot tell you how rare that is in this job.” Her comments offer a glimpse into Smith’s professional conduct and respect for crew members, a quality that she emphasised is all too often missing in the film industry.
In the years that followed the infamous incident, conversations about whether Chris Rock would ever return to host the Oscars remained prevalent. In a light-hearted comment during an Oscars after-party in 2025, he stated, “You never know,” suggesting that while the slap might have made an indelible mark on the event’s history, a return may not be out of the question.
Wanda Sykes, who co-hosted the 2022 Oscars alongside Amy Schumer and Regina Hall, also recounted her experience with Smith, noting that he had personally reached out to apologise for the disruption. “He called. I had COVID or a bad cold,” she explained in an interview with Variety. While she acknowledged the unforgettable moments from the evening, she lamented how the incident overshadowed the accomplishments of the hosts.
There remains a divided sentiment among fans and commentators alike, with many debating the appropriateness of Smith’s actions versus the offensive nature of Rock’s joke. As public interest continues to linger, reactions from actors, industry professionals, and the general public appear to be largely influenced by their perspectives on the balance of personal defence and professional conduct.
As for the reactions from Smith and Rock, representatives from both individuals have been approached for comments following Ellis-Taylor’s statements on the podcast, suggesting that the discourse surrounding the incident is far from over.
The 2022 Oscars slap remains a pivotal moment in celebrity culture and its influence on the interpretation of humour within personal boundaries. Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor’s defence of Smith indicates that there are some who view the incident through the lens of familial loyalty and protectiveness, rather than merely as an outrageous theatrical moment. The complexities of the situation continue to unfold as both figures navigate their careers in the aftermath of that explosive night.