Jada Pinkett Smith: We’ve been ‘separated’ since 2016.
Jada Pinkett Smith Reveals Years of Separation from Will Smith
In a recent interview, Jada Pinkett Smith dropped a bombshell, disclosing that she and her husband, Will Smith, have been “separated” for quite some time.
“The news went public as part of an exclusive clip from her upcoming NBC News interview with Hoda Kotb. Pinkett Smith told Kotb that her marriage is more complicated than most people realize.”
Since 2016, Pinkett Smith and the “Men In Black” star have been leading completely separate lives, despite being married since 1997. Pinkett Smith hinted that her upcoming memoir, “Worthy,” set to be released on October 17, will shed more light on their relationship.
Marriage Status and Surprises
Kotb, during the interview, asked Pinkett Smith about her marriage situation, which she admitted ”surprised her the most” among the book’s many revelations.
Although they are still legally married, Pinkett Smith confirmed that their relationship is devoid of romance.
“It was not a divorce on paper,” Kotb said in the clip.
“Right,” Pinkett Smith replied.
“But it was a divorce,” Kotb said.
“Divorce,” Pinkett Smith answered.
When questioned about why they hadn’t previously discussed their relationship status, Pinkett Smith explained that the timing wasn’t right. They were still figuring out how to be in partnership and present themselves to the public.
The Fracture and Unbreakable Promise
Kotb delved into what went wrong, to which Pinkett Smith responded, “That’s a lot of things.” She explained that by 2016, they were exhausted from trying and stuck in their own fantasies of who the other person should be.
Despite their separation, Pinkett Smith made a promise to never give a reason for divorce and to work through any challenges.
Addressing the 2022 Oscars incident, where Smith slapped Chris Rock on stage after a joke about Pinkett Smith’s alopecia, the actress revealed her initial disbelief and realization that it wasn’t a skit.
Prior to this revelation, fans speculated about Pinkett Smith’s romantic “entanglement” with singer August Alsina and the couple’s rumored open marriage.