Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, who starred alongside Will Smith in the biographical drama King Richard, has publicly defended the actor’s actions during the 2022 Academy Awards. During a recent appearance on The Daily Beast podcast Obsessed, the Oscar nominee addressed the infamous moment when Smith walked onto the stage and struck comedian Chris Rock following a joke made about Jada Pinkett Smith.
Ellis-Taylor, who portrayed Oracene Price, the mother of tennis icons Venus and Serena Williams, expressed her continued support for her former co-star. She noted that her perspective is rooted in the understanding that Smith was motivated by a desire to protect his wife. She stated clearly that she stands by him regarding that specific motivation.
Reflecting on the Oscars Incident
The incident occurred after Rock made a joke comparing Pinkett Smith, who has alopecia, to G.I. Jane. Following the slap, Smith returned to his seat and shouted at Rock to keep his wife’s name out of his mouth. While Smith went on to win the Academy Award for best actor that same evening, the event resulted in a 10-year ban from all events hosted by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Smith later issued a formal apology, describing his behavior as unacceptable and inexcusable.
During the podcast discussion, Ellis-Taylor offered a broader critique of how free speech is often interpreted. She argued that the First Amendment should not necessarily be used as a shield for those causing harm. Drawing on her background in Mississippi, she expressed skepticism toward the blanket valorization of First Amendment rights, suggesting that the concept requires more nuance when it is used to justify harmful behavior.
Professional Respect and Set Dynamics
Beyond the controversy surrounding the awards ceremony, Ellis-Taylor took the opportunity to highlight Smith’s professional conduct while filming King Richard. She praised the actor for his leadership on set, noting that he consistently ensured that everyone was treated with respect. According to Ellis-Taylor, Smith would not tolerate anyone being treated poorly in his presence, a quality she described as rare within the film industry.
She emphasized that her positive experiences working with him have fostered a lasting sense of affection and care. This perspective provides a personal look at the actor’s character from a colleague who spent significant time working closely with him on a major production. While the Oscars incident remains a defining moment in Smith’s career, impacting his public standing and project timelines, Ellis-Taylor remains steadfast in her support for the man she came to know on set.
For more on the film, you can visit the official King Richard IMDb page or explore additional details on the official Warner Bros. project site.
Source: Variety
