Old footage of Jada Pinkett Smith revealing her 40th birthday party was a “ridiculous display” of her husband Will’s “own ego” has resurfaced in the wake of the Oscar slap drama.
The pair, who have been married since 1997, spoke on an episode of Red Table Talk, the Facebook show that Jada, now 50, hosts with her daughter Willow, 21, and mother Adrienne Banfield-Norris, 68.
During the chat, the pair confirmed the incident was the “watershed moment” in their relationship, leading to Jada having an affair with musician August Alsina, 29.
More drama: Old footage of Jada Pinkett Smith revealing her 40th birthday party was a “ridiculous display” of her husband Will’s “own ego” has resurfaced
Jada recalls, “I think the turning point in our relationship came for me when I turned 40. I had a midlife crisis then.”
Will agreed, saying, “Yeah, your 40th birthday was my rock bottom.”
The actor, who shares daughter Willow and son Jayden, 23, with Jada, explained how he spent three years planning his wife’s lavish birthday party.
“The day after her 37th birthday, I hired a team to orchestrate her 40th birthday.”
Honesty: During the chat, the pair confirmed that the incident was the ‘watershed moment’ in their relationship that led to Jada having an affair with musician August Alsina
Chat: Jada recalled, “I think the turning point in our relationship came for me when I turned 40. I had a midlife crisis then.”
Turning to daughter Willow, he continued, “I hired a documentary crew and traced Mom’s family roots. Your 40th birthday should be my thing!’
Jada sighed, ‘It was going to be a splash.’
The Fresh Prince Of Bel Air actor revealed he’s also hired R&B superstar Mary J Blige to perform at the party.
“It should be what got her out of that midlife crisis. It should be my deepest, most beautiful declaration of love.
Smith Family: Turning to daughter Willow, he continued, “I hired a documentary crew and traced Mom’s family roots. Your 40th birthday should be my thing!’ as Jada sighed ‘It was going to be a splash’
Sweet: As daughter Willow sympathetically placed her hand on her father’s arm, Will continued, “Crushed, right? And to this day I know I was crushed because it was true. It wasn’t a party for her.”
However, a disappointed Jada told the actor that the lavish event was the “most ridiculous display of his ego”.
As daughter Willow sympathetically placed her hand on her father’s arm, Will continued, “Crushed, right? And to this day I know I was crushed because it was true. It wasn’t a party for her.”
The footage comes after Will’s infamous slap in the face from Chris Rock at the Oscars after the comic made a joke about Jada’s balding head.
Just 40 minutes after the incident, Will won the best actor award for his portrayal of Richard Williams – father of tennis legends Serena and Venus – in the biopic King Richard.
Oh no: A disappointed Jada told the actor that the lavish event was the “most ridiculous display of his ego”.
Affair: Jada has admitted she had an affair with rapper August Alsina, 29, during her difficult time
Will publicly apologized to Chris the next night, saying his behavior was “unacceptable and inexcusable.”
The star wrote in an Instagram post that he was “embarrassed” by his actions, which shocked attendees, producers and viewers at the ceremony and sparked an angry debate that divided A-listers and viewers alike.
“Violence in all its forms is poisonous and destructive,” he wrote.
“My behavior at the Oscars last night was unacceptable and inexcusable. Jokes at my expense are part of the job, but a joke about Jada’s health was too much for me and I reacted emotionally.
“I want to apologize to you publicly, Chris. I was out of line and I was wrong. I’m embarrassed and my actions were no indication of the man I want to be. In a world of love and kindness there is no place for violence.’
Timing: The resurfaced clip comes as Will is still watching the aftermath of Chris Rock’s infamous slap in the face at the Oscars after the comic made a joke about Jada’s bald head
Will then apologized to the show’s organizers and producers.
Chris hasn’t responded to Will’s apology and the comedian has yet to comment publicly on the incident – although it was revealed in the hours after the slap that he had decided not to file a police report against the actor.
Several of Smith’s upcoming films were shelved indefinitely because of the slap, and a bidding war for the rights to his memoir quickly fizzled out.
Will resigned from The Academy on Friday, describing his actions during the ceremony as “shocking, painful and inexcusable.”
“The list of those I’ve hurt is long and includes Chris, his family, many of my dear friends and loved ones, everyone present and the global audience back home,” Smith said. “I betrayed the academy’s trust. I deprived other nominees and winners of the opportunity to celebrate and be celebrated for their extraordinary work. My heart is broken.’
He has until next week to formally defend his actions in a written letter to the Academy before the board meets to decide what punishment is deemed appropriate for his attack on the moderator.
Tick Tock: He has until next week to formally defend his actions in a written letter to the Academy before the board meets to decide what punishment is deemed appropriate for his attack on the moderator