Angelique Bates Reveals Malcolm-Jamal Warner Defended Her During On-Set Abuse Incident

Actress Angelique Bates is speaking out with an emotional tribute to Malcolm-Jamal Warner, calling him her "only true hero" in the entertainment industry following his sudden and tragic death at the age of 54.

In an exclusive statement shared with The Blast, Angelique Bates opened up about the heartbreak she felt upon hearing the news, revealing that Malcolm-Jamal Warner's kindness and courage had a profound impact on her life during a dark moment in her childhood acting career.

"I haven't felt this kind of heartbreak in a long time," she began. "This morning, I woke up to the devastating news that I've lost the only true hero I've ever had in this twisted industry. I still can't believe I'm even writing these words. Malcolm-Jamal Warner's name is the very last one I ever imagined hearing in this context."

She went on to call Warner "one of the most genuine, real, and protective 'industry big brothers'" she has ever known. "Speaking about him in the past tense is absolutely gut-wrenching."

As The Blast reported, Warner tragically lost his life after drowning during a family vacation in Costa Rica.

Bates went on to recall an incident from her time on "All That" that has been the subject of public speculation for years. She confirmed that during a specific episode, one that involved her being spat on with milk and publicly humiliated, Warner, who was directing the episode, was the only person who stepped in to defend her.

"Over the years, I've spoken honestly, both the good and the bad, about my time as a child on 'All That.' One specific incident that people have repeatedly asked me about involved milk being spat on me, twice, including directly in my face, and me being publicly yelled at while the cameras and microphones were rolling," she recalled. "It was loud, humiliating, and broadcast throughout the studio. All of it happened simply because I stood up for myself."

"The director of that episode, the only person in that room who stood up for me, was Malcolm-Jamal Warner," she revealed. "Until now, I've intentionally kept his name private out of respect. I didn't want the media or anyone else to target him or disturb the peace he lived with so intentionally."

"Malcolm didn't just direct that episode, he changed the outcome of that day for me," the former child star continued. "He saw what was happening and immediately stepped in, without hesitation. Aside from my mother, he was the only person who defended me. If it weren't for Malcolm, the attack would have continued. And it was because of Malcolm that the producer responsible was eventually made to apologize, after he made sure the audio and footage couldn't be ignored, even by another producer who remained quiet."

Bates explained that it was Warner's actions that forced the production team to acknowledge the incident, leading to an eventual apology from the individual responsible.

"Not one other soul defended me in that moment. And to this day, only one of the people involved, a cast member, has publicly acknowledged what happened," Bates said. "That's who he was: someone who didn't just claim to stand for what's right, he acted on it."

While she had previously kept his identity private out of respect for Warner's quiet and honorable life, Bates said she now felt it was time to share just how deeply he had impacted her publicly.

"Malcolm lived a quiet, honorable life that reflected his beautiful character," she said. "He was exactly who he appeared to be; kind, grounded, protective, and true. We come from an era that is slowly fading, and Malcolm embodied the very best of it."

The former "All That" star also shared a personal memory from the last time she saw Warner at the "Underground" wrap party.

"I'm grateful I always gave him his flowers, whether through our conversations online or the last time I saw him, at the 'Underground' wrap party," she said. "He was glowing as he shared that his wife was expecting their daughter. I hugged him and, as I always did, thanked him for what he did for me. Because he truly saved me, in a moment when he could've turned a blind eye, like everyone else did."

In closing, Bates extended her heartfelt condolences to Warner's loved ones and to fans who had grown up watching him on television.

"Malcolm-Jamal Warner will always be my hero. I wish I could hug him just one more time. I wish I could tell him again how much his presence, his courage, and his decency meant to me," she told The Blast. "My heart aches for Malcolm's wife, daughter, family, friends, and all those who truly knew and loved him. Thank you to his mother and father for sharing such an amazing gift with the world. Even if you never had the honor of knowing Malcolm personally, you could still feel his goodness and light."

She concluded, "This is a deep and painful loss for all of us."