Gilbert Flores/Variety/Penske Media via Getty Images
Will Smith opened up about his “tempestuous” relationship with Jada Pinkett Smith, who recently revealed they were separated for six years before the infamous slap at the 2022 Oscars.
The actor joined his wife on stage during their visit to the Enoch Pratt Library in Baltimore to promote her new memoir, “Wordy.” “I just wanted to come out and just be here and capture it for you the way you captured it for me,” Smith told Pinkett Smith in an emotional speech, according to the Baltimore Sun. “We have had a very, very long and turbulent time [relationship]. We call it “bruitful.” He added: “It was brutal and beautiful at the same time.”
“Our union is a sloppy public experiment. It’s a sloppy public experiment in unconditional love,” The King Richard star continued. “As I stand here before you today, I am happier than I have ever been in my entire life,” and share, “I have achieved everything I have ever wanted in my entire life. There is nothing more I want in this world – all the awards, all the money, the family – everything I ever dreamed of.”
He continued that his dreams were “largely built on the foundation of Jada’s sacrifices” and praised her for supporting him throughout his career and as a family with children Willow, Jaden and Trey Smith, as well as his son with his ex- Ms. Sheree Zampino supported.
“Can you show up and love someone for the rest of your life even if you don’t agree with them?” Will posed for the audience. “Jada is the best friend I have ever had on this planet and I will be there for her and support her for the rest of my life.”
Trending
Last week, Pinkett Smith sat down with Today’s Hoda Kotb and discussed her “complicated marriage” to Smith and her healing journey in an NBC News primetime special that aired Friday. Recalling the early days of their relationship, she said, “I knew it on the first date,” and reflected, “He was a completely different guy than what I was used to dating. Extremely intelligent, which I really liked because he kept me on my toes. He was such a dreamer.”
The actress also explained why she and Smith previously decided to keep their split a secret. “I think I’m just not ready yet. We’re both still trying to figure out how to partner. And how do we present that to people,” she said. “And we hadn’t figured that out.”