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Everyone Thought Taraji P. Henson Was Shading Ryan Seacrest at the Oscars, but Turns Out She's 'Supporting' Him

Well this is an interesting development.

Last night on the Oscars red carpet, Ryan Seacrest struggled to nab his usual A-List interviews as it was rumored that stars were staying away from him amidst allegations of sexual misconduct. He did manage to interview a few celebrities before the red carpet wrapped up, one of them being the luminescent Taraji P. Henson. The actress was at the awards to introduce Mary J. Blige's performance of her Oscar nominated song from Mudbound, "Mighty River".

During the interview, Taraji said to Seacrest, "The universe has a way of taking care of good people." And then, she pinched his chin, lifted his head up slightly and said, “You know what I mean?”

People were convinced that Taraji's little chin pinch was her way of throwing shade at the media personality, telling him that he would be getting his and that good people prevail.

But boy, were they wrong. Taraji gave a statement insisting that her remarks toward Seacrest were "misconstrued."

The actress explained to People, “I did it to keep his chin up. It’s an awkward position to be in. He’s been cleared but anyone can say anything." She was also asked if she supports Seacrest, to which she said simply, "Absolutely."

Seacrest posted a photo of the interview to his Twitter, thanking Henson for her time.

Some people thought it was obvious that she supported him from the beginning, but even I'll admit that I thought it was shade.

Who else is simultaneously shook and confused?

Taraji P. Henson, Oprah, and Halle Berry are just a few of the black women who shine at the Oscars.