Jada Pinkett-Smith is opening up like never before with the release of her new book, Worthy, beginning with a surprising revelation: she and her husband of 26 years, Will Smith, are divorced and living different lives.
The marriage of the long-married pair has long been the source of speculation and rumours. And now, the former Red Table Talk host is finally laying them to rest.
Jada Pinkett-Smith Reveals Seven-Year Separation from Will Smith: ‘It Was Not a Divorce on Paper, But It Was a Divorce’
In a new clip from Hoda Kotb’s Today Show interview. The actress said that she has been “divorced” from the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air alum for the past seven years.
Jada reveals in her memoir back in 2016, according to the chat with Hoda. Together, they “decided that [they] were going to live completely separate lives.”
“It was not a divorce on paper,” Hoda began, to which Jada replied, “Yes,” but when the veteran journalist repeated. “But it was a divorce,” Jada said, “divorce,” and acknowledged that the two have been “apart” since 2016.
Explicitly stating why she waited seven years to disclose the change in their relationship. Will and Jada have continued to make red carpet appearances and social media posts together after being separated for seven years. “I think it’s just not being ready yet,” Jada explained. Still trying to figure out how to work together as a couple, right? And how do we communicate that to folks, you know? And we hadn’t realised it.”
“I think by the time we got to 2016, we were just tired of trying,” she concluded. I guess we were both still locked in our fantasies of what the other person should be.”
Jada also stated that the two are still living “separately,” but she said, “I made a promise that there will never be a reason for us to divorce.” We’ll get through anything comes our way. And I’ve just been unable to break that vow.”
She also said in a separate interview with People, “We’re still figuring it out.” According to him: “We’ve been doing some really heavy-duty work together.”
Jada Pinkett-Smith and Will Smith Separated Since 2016: ‘We Were Just Exhausted with Trying’
She went on to say: “We just got deep love for each other and we are going to figure out what that looks like for us.”
Will and Jada have already battled rumours of a breakup. The news that the two had been separated for seven years comes as a surprise, given their constant public appearances as a family up until this year.
Will famously slapped Chris Rock at the 2022 Oscars when he made a joke about Jada. In her defence, he even yelled, “Keep my wife’s name out of your [expletive] mouth!”
The couple has continued to appear on red carpets and exchange images with their children, boys Trey, 30, and Jaden, 25, from Will’s romance with Sheree Zampino, as well as daughter Willow, 22.
Jada recently shared a throwback photo of the family-of-five on Instagram on Will’s birthday, writing, “I am so glad you were born on this day.” Without you, I would not have had the greatest joy of my life… our family’s love. We’ve chosen to travel together on this Divine mission. I’m glad for the wells of laughing that have accompanied the tracks of tears we’ve shared. Thank you for teaching me to embrace it all… with a grin. “Here’s to another 100 years of growth, acceptance, and joy.”
