Will and Jada Smith: Managing Marriage, Separation, and Difficulties

by Alya of NewsbyA

Photos by Getty Images

For 26 years, Jada Pinkett-Smith and Will Smith have been one of the most successful couples in Hollywood. They are well-known for their careers, and the public seems to have a never-ending fascination with their relationship. Their marriage has taken several unexpected twists in the past few years: there was the famous slap at the 2022 Oscars, the recent revelation that the famous couple has been separated since 2016, Chris Rock's surprising remarks, and details regarding Jada's strong connection with Tupac Shakur. This much is clear: Pinkett-Smith always brings drama to the table. 

Pinkett-Smith released her new memoir “Worthy” which came out on October 17. The tell-all shone new light on old dramas – which made me question how much we knew about the seemingly perfect couple. What we thought was one of Hollywood’s most famous loving marriages, lasting 26 years, swiftly turned into a one-sided relationship - at least for the past seven years. 

At the 94th Academy Awards, comedian Chris Rock poked fun at Pinkett-Smith's shaved head, saying she looked like "G.I. Jane." Pinkett-Smith’s face soured as she has been open about her difficulties with hair loss due to alopecia in previous years. The audience was taken aback when Will Smith (AKA the Fresh Prince) stormed onto the stage and slapped Chris Rock. Hard. This caused the Oscars to strike back with a 10-year ban from the Academy Awards.  

When Pinkett-Smith’s book disclosed that Chris Rock asked her out, that seemingly bizarre moment at the Oscars suddenly took on a new light. Especially given the divorce rumors circulating around everyone’s (ex) favorite couple right before the event. Was this the actual reason behind the intense tension between the infamous Will Smith and comedian Chris Rock?  

In interviews publicizing her new book, Pinkett-Smith stated that she was “surprised” Smith referred to her as his wife as they have been “separated since 2016.” Which means… our A-list couple, the pair that everyone loved and saw as a stable Hollywood marriage, was all just for show.  

Pinkett-Smith also recently disclosed more details about her past with Tupac Shakur. We all know the relationship between the late artist and Pinkett-Smith was something akin to a best friendship. But from their high school years to Shakur’s tragic death, we were told the two maintained a tight friendship and bond. But maybe that’s just what Tupac thought…  

In a recent interview, Pinkett-Smith referred to Tupac as her "soulmate,” highlighting the strong emotional connection she believed to have had with him. I cannot even imagine how Smith must have felt after hearing that. Hearing your wife of 26 years call another man her soulmate? That must sting. Not only that, but she also revealed that Tupac proposed to her while he was awaiting a jail sentence two years before she and Smith were married.  This has led to a great deal of curiosity and speculation. The public soon learned, however, that Pinkett-Smith’s claims have been proven to be false by a content creator who collected receipts and linked the timelines together to find out that Tupac had another fiancée.  

If you’re into past secrets, half truths, and wild speculations then Pinkett-Smith’s new memoir is sure a worthy read.