Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, an Oscar-nominated actor who co-stars with Will Smith in “King Richard,” says she stands by Smith’s reaction to Chris Rock at the 2022 Oscars. Speaking on The Daily Beast’s “Obsessed” podcast, Ellis-Taylor argues the incident should be understood in context and says the First Amendment should not be used to protect certain offensive behavior.
Both outlets report that Ellis-Taylor’s remarks include describing Rock with profanity and asserting that while free speech exists, it should not cover what she characterizes as inappropriate conduct. Variety frames her defense as support for Smith’s decision to confront Rock on stage, while the New York Post emphasizes her blunt language about Rock.
The accounts converge on the same key point: Ellis-Taylor defends Smith’s slap and makes critical comments about Rock. The sources differ mainly in how they foreground the tone and phrasing of her remarks rather than the underlying substance of her position.
