It seems like Will Smith has another supporter in his corner.
Actress Tatyana Ali is an actress and singer. She is, however, probably best known for her role as Ashley Banks on the NBC sitcom “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” from 1990 to 1996.
After working with Smith for so long, she took to Twitter on Saturday to share her thoughts on the infamous Oscars slap.
Tatyana Ali Says That Will Smith ‘Has A Big Heart’
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
On Saturday, Ali took to Twitter to say, “I love #WillSmith very much.”
However, she added that, “@chrisrock didn’t deserve to be hit. Period.”
“My heart aches for what has happened,” she continued. “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.”
However, some fans weren’t buying it.
“I don’t know what caused that chaos & confusion,” one fan quoted. “Lmao so you didn’t hear about Chris Rock continually make jokes about Jada for years…and the world joking about Will’s private life for years….idk…maybe those things played a part….just maybe lol.”
“Will Smith’s career is toast,” another commented. “His reputation as a beloved actor has been tarnished. I can’t see Hollywood letting this go. Look at Winona Ryder…a wonderful actress. All she did was shoplift some expensive hair accessories and her career was over.”
“Come on… People have done far worse and were able to bounce back and have a successful career,” another fan replied. “To assume that one poor decision will dictate the trajectory of this man’s life is ridiculous. Everyone makes mistakes and this is certainly one that Will can grow from.”
“I’m team Will,” another wrote. “Years of receiving verbal abuse and bullying guised as comedy, his reaction was justified. The comedian in question has mocked and bullied too many folks over the decades. Enough is enough.”
“Thanks for saying this Tatyana,” another wrote. “Will needs love and support from people that know the real him to help him get through this. He must leave Jada. His movie career is over.”
“I appreciate Will for reminding folks that words have consequences,” said another. “And if Chris Rock continues to shade Jada in his routines, then we’ll all know the slap was well-deserved.”
They weren’t the only ones who thought that Will Smith was well within his rights to slap Chris Rock.
Fans Stand Up For Will Smith After Public Apology
On Monday, the new Oscar winner apologized to Chris Rock for the Oscars slap, admitting that his behavior was out of line. Many fans appreciated Smith’s apology but did not condemn him for slapping Rock after the insult about Jada’s hair loss condition, known as alopecia.
“Great apology Will because you know what the potential repercussions can be,” one user wrote. “But honestly, Rock deserved it for that totally inappropriate joke he made about your wife..Women say they want their husbands to stand up for them until one actually does..then they get all self-righteous ..stay strong bro.”
“A man who loves and protects his family would do the same thing. I still respect and love you and your family and work,” another wrote. “Learning experience for all of us. Mr. Rock probably feels the same. Sake hands and both be an example of kindness and hope in this crazy world we live in. I love your family and his.”
“You did what you thought was best. And defending your wife’s honor was very understandable,” another shared. “I commend you for acknowledging your behavior and apologizing to Chris was very commendable. Thank You for being you. The Best that you can be.”
“He has redeemed himself and I again see him as I always have,” another wrote. “Great admiration for him. Chris Rock deserved this apology and showed great restraint in not hitting Will back. Two great men!!!!”
“So proud of you Will Smith being man enough to admit your mistake the both of you were wrong,” said another. “I’m so glad the both of you correct it before it got out of hand. I’ll be praying for the both of you and your families.”
