In a recent interview with NBC, actress Jada Pinkett Smith disclosed that she and her husband, actor Will Smith, have been leading “completely separate lives” since 2016, despite not legally divorcing. The revelation comes six years prior to the highly publicized incident where Will Smith slapped comedian Chris Rock at the 2022 Oscars for making a joke about Pinkett Smith.
The couple, married since 1997, faced rumors of infidelity, which were publicly addressed by Pinkett Smith during a 2020 episode of their show “Red Table Talk.” In the interview, she confessed to having been involved with singer August Alsina during a turbulent period in their marriage.
Pinkett Smith revealed that by 2016, they were “exhausted from trying” and had effectively separated. While their separation had not been publicly announced, Pinkett Smith explained that they were caught in the illusion of who they thought the other person should be.
Regarding the Oscars incident, where Will Smith defended his wife’s honor with a slap, Pinkett Smith initially thought it was a joke. However, she realized the seriousness of the situation when Will Smith returned to his seat after the altercation with Chris Rock.
The couple shares two children, Jaden and Willow, aged 25 and 22, respectively. Will Smith, 55, also has another child from a previous marriage. Pinkett Smith is currently promoting her biography, titled “Worthy.” This revelation has sparked discussions about celebrity relationships and the challenges they face in maintaining privacy amidst public scrutiny.