In a Q&A with Gayle King at the Tribeca Film Festival Monday (June 13th), Tyler Perry shared his experience at the 94th annual Academy Awards. Following the infamous slap, numerous reports stated that Perry comforted Will Smith in the aftermath. However, Perry said it’s a little more complicated than that.
“There is a difference between comforting and de-escalating,” Perry told King, adding that he “left early to get to Chris to make sure he was okay” but that he felt empathy for Smith, too.
“I was there, close up. I left early to go and check on Chris because it was wrong in no uncertain terms and I made sure I said that to Will,” the Madea’s Family Reunion creator said.