Will Smith’s ‘King Richard’ co-star defends his Oscars slap of Chris Rock

Actress Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, who co-starred with Will Smith in “King Richard,” defended Mr. Smith’s decision to slap comedian Chris Rock at the 2022 Oscars, arguing the First Amendment shouldn’t “protect a—holes.”

Ms. Ellis-Taylor, who played Mr. Smith’s on-screen wife in the film, made the comments on The Daily Beast’s Obsessed podcast, telling hosts she still supports her former co-star.

“I know that he wanted to protect his wife, and I stand by that,” she said. “I stand with him for that.”

Mr. Smith slapped Mr. Rock on stage after the comedian made a joke about Mr. Smith’s wife, Jada Pinkett Smith, who has alopecia. Mr. Smith went on to win the Academy Award for best actor that night for his role in “King Richard,” but the Academy later banned him from its events for a decade.

Ms. Ellis-Taylor said blanket free-speech protections shouldn’t extend to people “causing harm,” comparing the debate to arguments she has heard used in defense of the Confederate flag.

“I know blanket First Amendment valorization. I don’t buy into that,” she said. “You can’t use it as an excuse to harm someone.”

Ms. Ellis-Taylor, who was raised in Mississippi, said that background shaped her skepticism of absolute First Amendment defenses.

She also praised Mr. Smith’s conduct on the “King Richard” set, saying he “would not allow anybody to be treated poorly in his presence,” regardless of their role or status.