Ever since Will Smith slapped comedian Chris Rock onstage during the 94th Academy Awards, two of his former Fresh Prince of Bel-Air co-stars have spoken out on the televised fiasco.
Janet Hubert was the first to break her silence on the controversy. A week later, Tatyana Ali, who is best known for playing Ashley Banks on the hit 90s sitcom, shared her thoughts on the situation, making it clear that she does not support wrong behavior despite her long-standing relationship with Smith.
Tatyana Ali believes Chris Rock 'didn't deserve to be hit.'
On April 3, Tatyana Ali took to Twitter to break her silence on Will Smith infamously slapping Chris Rock during the 2022 Oscars.
The actress began her post by sharing that she loves Smith “very much,” but expressed displeasure over the shocking turn of events at the coveted award ceremony.
“I love #WillSmith very much. @chrisrock didn’t deserve to be hit. Period. My heart aches for what has happened,” she tweeted.
Ali went on to note that though she doesn’t approve of Smith’s actions at the Oscars, she will continue to support him.
“I don’t know what caused that chaos & confusion, but I do know that Will has a big heart,” she continued. “I’ve seen him many times try his best to do what is right. I believe in him.”
I love #WillSmith very much. @chrisrock didn’t deserve to be hit. Period. My heart aches for what has happened. I don’t know what caused that chaos & confusion, but I do know that Will has a big heart. I’ve seen him many times try his best to do what is right. I believe in him.
— Tatyana Ali (@TatyanaAli) April 3, 2022
She also posted the tweet on Facebook, captioned, "Took me a while to get my thoughts together. Right is right, wrong is wrong, and love is love. @willsmith."
Janet Hubert said "sometimes you have to slap back."
Last week, Janet Hubert, who played the original Vivian Banks, made an Instagram post defending the King Richard star in light of the situation.
“So PROUD OF YOU!” she captioned a still of Smith giving his Oscars acceptance speech.
Hubert then turned her attention over to the slap Smith gave Chris Rock after the comedian joked about Jada Pinkett Smith’s shaved head.
“There is only so much one can take… sometimes you have to slap back,” she wrote. “Celebrate the win… nothing else matters. Both actions were incorrect but Chris didn’t need to go there. Met him once… it was enough for me… very mean spirited.”
