Jada Pinkett Smith says she separated from Will Smith in 2016

 Jada Pinkett Smith says she separated from Will Smith in 2016

Will Smith and Jada Pinkett

In a revealing interview with NBC News, Jada Pinkett Smith, the acclaimed actress, and talk show host, confirmed the long-standing rumors: she and her husband, Will Smith, have been living separately for nearly seven years. This surprising revelation has left fans and the media abuzz. Let's delve into the details and discover what led to this separation and how it has evolved over the years.

The Decision to Live Apart

Jada Pinkett Smith disclosed this deeply personal revelation during an interview with Hoda Kotb, which is set to air in a prime-time special on NBC. According to her, the couple decided to live separate lives in 2016. This decision was a significant turning point in their relationship. Pinkett Smith explains, "Why it fractured — that’s a lot of things. I think by the time we got to 2016, we were just exhausted with trying."

A Relationship Under Scrutiny

The relationship of Jada Pinkett Smith and Will Smith, one of Hollywood's most famous couples, has always been under the media's watchful eye. The two first married in 1997 and built a high-profile family, with two children, Jaden Smith and Willow Smith, both successful entertainers.

In 2013, Pinkett Smith addressed rumors of an open relationship in a Facebook post, clarifying that it wasn't "open" but rather "grown." They further opened up about their marriage in a 2020 episode of Red Table Talk, where Pinkett Smith revealed her "entanglement" with singer August Alsina. The couple had indeed gone through a very difficult period.

The Stunned Oscars Moment

Their relationship gained even more attention during the 2022 Academy Awards when Will Smith slapped comedian Chris Rock onstage after a joke about Jada Pinkett Smith's hairstyle. This shocking incident, referred to as "The Slap," caused widespread discussions and ultimately led to Smith being banned from the Oscars for ten years.

The Unbroken Promise

While Jada Pinkett Smith and Will Smith have been living apart since 2016, they have not officially filed for divorce. Pinkett Smith shared in the interview previews, "I made a promise that there will never be a reason for us to get a divorce. We will work through whatever." This commitment to preserving their partnership shows the complexity and depth of their relationship.

In conclusion, Jada Pinkett Smith and Will Smith's separation has been a long-evolving situation, driven by a variety of factors. Despite their time apart, they remain committed to each other, demonstrating that love can endure even the most challenging circumstances.