Overview
- Ellis‑Taylor told The Daily Beast’s “Obsessed” podcast this week that she understands why Smith walked onstage and slapped Chris Rock and that she stands by him for protecting his wife.
- The onstage incident occurred at the March 27, 2022 Academy Awards after Rock made a joke about Jada Pinkett Smith’s shaved head; Smith apologized the next day and received a 10‑year ban from Academy events.
- On the podcast Ellis‑Taylor argued that blanket appeals to the First Amendment should not shield people who cause harm, saying free‑speech protections need nuance.
- She also praised Smith’s behavior on the set of King Richard, describing him as a caretaker who would not allow people to be mistreated.
- Multiple outlets republished her remarks this week and reporters note her comments are personal opinion that do not change formal consequences or represent new legal action, though they have reopened public debate over accountability and speech limits.