Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor Defends Will Smith’s 2022 Oscar Slap

Appearing on The Daily Beast’s Obsessed podcast, Ellis-Taylor voiced her support for the actor, stating, "I stand with him for that." She questioned the cultural reliance on First Amendment protections, suggesting they should not serve as a shield for those who cause harm through speech. Drawing on her experiences in Mississippi, she noted that blanket defenses of free speech have historically been used to justify inflammatory symbols, and she believes the concept requires more nuance.

Beyond the controversy, Ellis-Taylor praised Smith’s character on set, describing him as a protector who refused to allow others to be mistreated—a trait she deemed rare in the industry. While Smith remains banned from the Oscars until 2032, he continues to navigate his professional comeback. Recent career milestones include the success of Bad Boys: Ride or Die, which grossed $104 million globally, and upcoming projects such as the sequel to I Am Legend and the Amazon MGM action film Supermax, directed by David Gordon Green.