Teyana Taylor defends herself against criticism for her effusiveness upon losing the Oscar and explains the incident that has gone viral: “I don’t tolerate lack of respect” | People

If someone watched the 2026 Oscars without sound and recorded the exact moment in which Zoe Saldaña announced the name of the winner in the best supporting actress category, they would think that the award went to Teyana Taylor, and not Amy Madigan. The actress of Weapons He reacted with disbelief to the recognition, barely moving, while the interpreter of One battle after another He accepted defeat by jumping from his seat, applauding enthusiastically, with an illusion that many have described as false or, at least, excessive. “The world harbors so much misery that grieving hearts forget the face of happiness,” the actress has defended herself against the countless comments on her X profile — where she has 1.3 million followers. “They get used to being bad losers, so when they see true sportsmanship they get worried! Like holy water that touches a demon,” he responded to all those haters who have criticized his happy reaction to not winning the Oscar. “Because applauding another’s victory requires something that many have never learned: how to win with grace and pure joy, and how to lose with grace, head held high and dignity,” he concluded.

Taylor, who won the Golden Globe for her role in Paul Thomas Anderson’s film, left the Dolby Theater empty-handed, but she was one of the people who generated the most comments at a rather discreet gala. Among the content of the night that has gone viral on the internet there is also a video of the New Yorker visibly angry with a man whom she reproaches for something in the middle of the crowd. “Are you a man who puts his hands on a woman?”, he is heard forcefully rebuking Taylor, in the purest style of the Beverly Hills Perfidy character that earned him the Oscar nomination. “Very rude,” he then repeats several times.

The incident occurred after One battle after another won the Oscar for best film. As a witness explained to Varietya media specialized in the industry, the cast and crew decided to take a group photo on stage, so the actress went down to look for Pam Abdy, executive director of Warner Bros, who was having problems getting her on. The witness claims that, when Taylor tried to get back on stage, a security guard “forcibly” blocked their way and “grabbed her.” “The guard told her: ‘You owe me an apology’ and that made her even more angry,” explains the specialized film publication in an article that Teyana Teylor herself shared on her X profile. Later, when the actress and security guard met again, the discussion took place that has gone viral.

TMZ It was the first media to obtain direct statements from the interpreter after what happened. “We met the actress right after her tense confrontation with Oscar security… and she was determined not to let it ruin her night,” confirms the American media. At the beginning of his statements, Taylor played down the issue: “The security personnel were very busy… There is always someone like that,” he said. But later, he did defend his reaction to the guard’s attitude. “I simply do not tolerate disrespect, especially when it is unjustified and unprovoked,” he confirmed to TMZ.

In the end, even the security company, Security Industry Specialists Inc., apologized to the actress in a statement shared with Variety. “There was a brief interaction between Ms. Taylor and a member of our security team during last night’s show. Our security personnel were working to control a busy area and ensure the safety of all attendees. During that interaction, there was accidental contact and we regret that the situation escalated,” it is justified. “This is not the level of professionalism we expect from our team, and we have addressed the matter internally to ensure that situations like this do not occur again,” the company guarantees.

Afterwards, the Academy itself published a statement about what happened: “We were deeply saddened to learn of Teyana Taylor’s experience at the end of the Oscars ceremony last night. We have worked with Teyana over the past several months during the awards season and she has always been exceptional: understanding, kind and very committed to the community. Although the incident occurred with our external security company, SIS, the experience of each guest is our responsibility. We have made it clear to them that this behavior is unacceptable. We want to thank Teyana for her admirable integrity and we are taking the necessary measures to ensure that this does not happen again.” The actress thanked her for this gesture on her social networks. “Thank you to the Academy. I greatly appreciate your unconditional love and support,” he wrote alongside the article with the statement.

Less than 24 hours after the big night at the movies, Taylor was explaining herself and defending herself against the hatersbut videos of the gala continue to circulate in which his attitude is criticized. Like when the victory of One battle after another for best picture, and grabs the film’s director by the throat in a way that many have described as crude and annoying. Others, however, have celebrated the actress’s genuine happiness. “People saw Teyana Taylor enjoying herself throughout the awards season and decided that was embarrassing. I’m sorry she didn’t sit there looking sad,” wrote a user in an X post that the performer shared on her profile.

This Monday, Taylor shared a carousel of photos on her Instagram profile, where she has 18.5 million followers, with images of her brand-new dresses, her hugs with her colleagues, professional colleagues and other details of the night. “My heart is overflowing, this has been a trip that I will treasure forever,” he wrote at the beginning of an extensive text of gratitude. “I don’t take any of this lightly. Not the nominations. Not the trophies. Not the room. Not this incredible moment and honor. Always grateful and I will always carry this with me,” she says.