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Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor Defends Will Smith’s Oscars Slap

8/14/2026

Summary

Story summary

Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor defended Will Smith’s 2022 Oscars slap, saying she understood he wanted to protect his wife.
On “Obsessed” podcast, Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor said she “stands by” Will Smith, argued First Amendment does not excuse harmful acts, and cited Confederate-flag defenses she heard in Mississippi.
Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor praised Will Smith for “taking care of everybody” on King Richard, noted his ban, and said March 27, 2022 apology called his actions “unacceptable” and “inexcusable.”

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Story summary

Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor defended Will Smith’s 2022 Oscars slap, saying she understood he wanted to protect his wife.
On “Obsessed” podcast, Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor said she “stands by” Will Smith, argued First Amendment does not excuse harmful acts, and cited Confederate-flag defenses she heard in Mississippi.
Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor praised Will Smith for “taking care of everybody” on King Richard, noted his ban, and said March 27, 2022 apology called his actions “unacceptable” and “inexcusable.”