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Will Smith has received rare public support from his King Richard co-star Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, who has defended the actor’s actions during his infamous 2022 Oscars confrontation with Chris Rock. Ellis-Taylor, who played Oracene “Brandy” Price in the Oscar-winning film, discussed the controversy during an appearance on The Daily Beast’s Obsessed podcast. More than four years after the incident, she made it clear that she still stands behind Smith’s decision to defend his wife, Jada Pinkett Smith. (People.com⁠) “I know that he wanted to protect his wife, and I stand by that,” Ellis-Taylor said during the interview. She also criticized the idea that freedom of speech should automatically protect comments she considers deliberately hurtful or disrespectful. (People.com⁠) The controversy dates back to the 2022 Academy Awards, when Rock was presenting the award for Best Documentary Feature. During his remarks, the comedian made a joke about Pinkett Smith’s shaved head, comparing her appearance to Demi Moore’s character in G.I. Jane. Pinkett Smith had previously spoken publicly about her alopecia, a condition that causes hair loss. (The Washington Post⁠) Smith initially appeared to laugh at the joke before walking onto the stage and slapping Rock. He then returned to his seat and shouted at the comedian to keep his wife’s name out of his mouth. The shocking moment was broadcast to audiences around the world and immediately became one of the most talked-about incidents in Oscars history. (The Washington Post⁠) Smith later apologized publicly, calling his behavior unacceptable and inexcusable. The Academy also launched a formal review, and Smith eventually resigned from the organization. He was subsequently banned from attending Academy events for 10 years. (The Washington Post⁠) Despite the controversy, Ellis-Taylor says her personal experience with Smith was very different from the image created by the Oscars incident. She praised him for being caring and respectful while they worked together on King Richard, particularly toward crew members and background actors. She described his kindness on set as something she considered unusual in Hollywood. (Page Six⁠) Her comments offer a different perspective on an incident that continues to divide public opinion. While many have condemned Smith’s decision to respond physically, Ellis-Taylor believes understanding his motivation matters. The actress is not the first person connected to King Richard to defend Smith. Richard Williams, the real-life father portrayed by Smith in the movie, also previously expressed support for the actor and said he would not turn against him over the Oscars incident. (cbsnews.com⁠) Years later, the slap remains part of Smith’s public story. But Ellis-Taylor’s latest comments show that some of the people who know him personally continue to separate the controversial moment from the person they experienced behind the scenes.

Travis Barker has explained why he and his wife, Kourtney Kardashian Barker, chose to open up about their difficult journey to parenthood in his new documentary, Travis Barker: Louder Than Fear. The Blink-182 drummer recently discussed the documentary during an appearance on The New York Times’ Popcast. He said the couple decided to share their experiences because they believed their story could help people who had gone through something similar. Barker described their journey as involving pregnancy loss, unsuccessful IVF attempts and eventually welcoming their son Rocky Thirteen naturally in November 2023. He said the experience was something many people could relate to, making it feel worthwhile to discuss publicly. (People.com⁠) Why they chose the documentary One of the biggest questions surrounding the documentary was why Barker and Kardashian decided to discuss their pregnancy loss there instead of on The Kardashians. According to Barker, the answer was largely connected to the documentary’s interview format. He explained that the filmmakers would ask follow-up questions whenever he mentioned something personal. That conversational approach eventually led to the couple discussing their experience. Rather than deliberately planning to tell the story in detail, the subject came up naturally during the interviews. Barker suggested that the documentary provided a different environment from their family reality show, allowing the conversation to unfold in a more personal way. (People.com⁠) A difficult road to parenthood Barker and Kardashian became parents together when they welcomed Rocky in November 2023. Before his birth, however, the couple experienced pregnancy loss and later went through unsuccessful IVF attempts. The couple first revealed the pregnancy loss during the documentary’s premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival in June. Kardashian explained that they had become pregnant relatively early in their relationship and were devastated by the loss. (Us Weekly⁠) The experience was eventually followed by the arrival of Rocky, who became an important part of their blended family. A documentary about more than music Travis Barker: Louder Than Fear goes beyond Barker’s career as the drummer of Blink-182. Hulu describes the film as an exploration of his life, including his career, family, personal struggles and journey through trauma and recovery. (Hulu Press⁠) The documentary also highlights the role Kardashian has played in Barker’s life. He has previously credited his wife with helping him regain confidence after his traumatic 2008 plane crash and eventually return to flying. (E! Online⁠) By sharing a deeply personal chapter of their lives, Barker and Kardashian appear to be using the documentary to show an experience that many families quietly face. For Barker, opening up was ultimately about creating a connection with viewers and reminding them that difficult journeys can eventually lead to happier chapters. Travis Barker has explained why he and his wife, Kourtney Kardashian Barker, chose to open up about their difficult journey to parenthood in his new documentary, Travis Barker: Louder Than Fear. The Blink-182 drummer recently discussed the documentary during an appearance on The New York Times’ Popcast. He said the couple decided to share their experiences because they believed their story could help people who had gone through something similar. Barker described their journey as involving pregnancy loss, unsuccessful IVF attempts and eventually welcoming their son Rocky Thirteen naturally in November 2023. He said the experience was something many people could relate to, making it feel worthwhile to discuss publicly. (People.com⁠) Why they chose the documentary One of the biggest questions surrounding the documentary was why Barker and Kardashian decided to discuss their pregnancy loss there instead of on The Kardashians. According to Barker, the answer was largely connected to the documentary’s interview format. He explained that the filmmakers would ask follow-up questions whenever he mentioned something personal. That conversational approach eventually led to the couple discussing their experience. Rather than deliberately planning to tell the story in detail, the subject came up naturally during the interviews. Barker suggested that the documentary provided a different environment from their family reality show, allowing the conversation to unfold in a more personal way. (People.com⁠) A difficult road to parenthood Barker and Kardashian became parents together when they welcomed Rocky in November 2023. Before his birth, however, the couple experienced pregnancy loss and later went through unsuccessful IVF attempts. The couple first revealed the pregnancy loss during the documentary’s premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival in June. Kardashian explained that they had become pregnant relatively early in their relationship and were devastated by the loss. (Us Weekly⁠) The experience was eventually followed by the arrival of Rocky, who became an important part of their blended family. A documentary about more than music Travis Barker: Louder Than Fear goes beyond Barker’s career as the drummer of Blink-182. Hulu describes the film as an exploration of his life, including his career, family, personal struggles and journey through trauma and recovery. (Hulu Press⁠) The documentary also highlights the role Kardashian has played in Barker’s life. He has previously credited his wife with helping him regain confidence after his traumatic 2008 plane crash and eventually return to flying. (E! Online⁠) By sharing a deeply personal chapter of their lives, Barker and Kardashian appear to be using the documentary to show an experience that many families quietly face. For Barker, opening up was ultimately about creating a connection with viewers and reminding them that difficult journeys can eventually lead to happier chapters.