Overview
- Ellis-Taylor said on The Daily Beast's 'Obsessed' podcast that she understands why Will Smith walked onstage and slapped Chris Rock and that she stands by him.
- She argued that broad First Amendment defenses should not be used to excuse speech that causes harm, saying such protections need nuance.
- The actress praised Smith's conduct on the King Richard set, describing him as a caretaker who defended cast members and increased pay when needed.
- The remarks, made Aug. 12 and reported Aug. 13–14, have renewed media attention but have not produced any new responses from Smith or Rock or changed the Academy's 10-year ban.
- The episode returns the focus to how coworkers' testimony and debates over free speech and accountability shape public reputations and institutional consequences.