Jada Pinkett Smith has claimed that Chris Rock once asked her on a date. “He called me and basically he was like “I’d love to take you out.” And I was like, “What do you mean?” He was like, “Well aren’t you and Will getting a divorce?” I was like, “No Chris, those are just rumors”. He was appalled. And he profusely apologized and that was that,” Pinkett Smith told People.
The claims that Rock once asked her on a date come in the same interview as the bombshell that Pinkett Smith and Will Smith have been separated since 2016. “We’re still figuring it out. We’ve been doing some really heavy-duty work together. We just got deep love for each other and we are going to figure out what that looks like for us.” However, she also said that the couple lives “completely separate lives”. In the interview came ahead of the release of Pinkett Smith’s new memoir next week.
In the same interview, Pinkett Smith also spoke on the now-infamous Oscars Slap. Pinkett Smith claimed that she initially believed that it was a skit. “I thought, ‘This is a skit. I was like, ‘There’s no way that Will hit him’. It wasn’t until Will started to walk back to his chair that I even realized it wasn’t a skit,” Pinkett Smith explained.
Furthermore, she discussed how she handled the situation immediately after the incident. “[I told myself] I’m going to be by his side, but also allow him to have to figure this out for himself.” This latter comment earned Pinkett Smith a lot of backlash online. Many people argued that it was an out-of-pocket thing to say. This is due to the slap originating from Will Smith standing up for Jada in the face of Rock’s jokes aimed at her.
During a recently published bombshell interview, Jada Pinkett Smith claimed that she initially believed Will Smith slapping Chris Rock at the Oscars was a skit. “I thought, ‘This is a skit. I was like, ‘There’s no way that Will hit him’. It wasn’t until Will started to walk back to his chair that I even realized it wasn’t a skit,” Pinkett Smith explained.
Furthermore, she discussed how she handled the situation immediately after the incident. “[I told myself] I’m going to be by his side, but also allow him to have to figure this out for himself.” This latter comment earned Pinkett Smith a lot of backlash online. Many people argued that it was an out-of-pocket thing to say. This is due to the slap originating from Will Smith standing up for Jada in the face of Rock’s jokes aimed at her.
However, her response to the Oscars slap was not the only thing that Pinkett Smith has faced backlash for in recent weeks. Jada made a statement relating to the arrest of Duane “Keefe D” Davis for the murder of 2Pac. “Now I hope we can get some answers and have some closure. R.I.P. Pac.” Pinkett-Smith and Shakur were reportedly close in high school. Furthermore, Pinkett-Smith has previously said in interviews that one of her biggest regrets in life is not telling Shakur that she loved him.
However, prior to this, Pinkett Smith had gotten backlash for sharing never-before-seen images of herself and 2Pac. Furthermore, she also shared videos of them dancing over a Will Smith song. People accused Pinkett Smith of capitalizing on the renewed attention on 2Pac’s case as well as disrespecting both Pac and Smith by conflating the two loves of her life. In other revelations, Pinkett Smith opened up about experiencing “bouts of depression” on semi-regular occasions in her new book that is out later this year. “Don’t be afraid, I tell myself. You are in peaceful, beautiful Ojai. Why are you so scared? Because, I answer right back, what if THIS actually kills me?” she writes.
With news of Jada Pinkett Smith and Will Smith being officially separated, Jada is revealing a bit more details about her love life. Speaking with PEOPLE, Jada Pinkett Smith revealed while rumors swirled of her divorce from the Bad Boys star, Chris Rock called her and asked her on a date.
“He called me and basically he was like, ‘I’d love to take you out.’ And I was like, ‘What do you mean?,’” Jada Pinkett Smith said.
Jada Pinkett Smith is currently detailing her book, Journey, and spoke about if she cares to have a conversation with Rock now.
“I just hope that all the misunderstanding around this can be cleared up and that there can be peace,” Pinkett Smith said.
She added, “I talk about this in the book, I think that there might be some misunderstanding between Chris and I as far as the 2016 Oscars. I think that he might’ve taken offense, which I meant no harm in offending. That wasn’t my intention. But I do think that there’s a big misunderstanding there.”
Jada Pinkett Smith is the cover star of the new edition of PEOPLE, and during the conversation, she revealed that she thought the Oscars slap was a skit.
“I thought, ‘This is a skit,’” Pinkett Smith said. “I was like, ‘There’s no way that Will hit him. It wasn’t until Will started to walk back to his chair that I even realized it wasn’t a skit.”
She stated after the show, the first thing she said to the Oscar-winning actor was “Are you okay?” Adding, “I’m going to be by his side but also allow him to have to figure this out for himself.”
The conversation circled her forthcoming book, Worthy, which will release on Oct. 17.
Jada Pinkett Smith knows everyone has been waiting 18 months for her to say something. Here it is.
Jada Pinkett Smith has further pulled the curtain on her relationship with Will Smith. In a clip from a forthcoming NBC News primetime special with Hoda Kotb, Pinkett Smith stated she and Will Smith live “completely separate lives” and have since 2016.
The appearance is in promotion of her new memoir Worthy, which drops on Oct. 17. Pinkett Smith confirms that the two are still together legally but romantically have divorced.
Why haven’t they made it official legally? Because there is more work to be done.
“Just not being ready yet,” Pinkett Smith said. “Still trying to figure out between the two of us how to be in partnership … In regards to, how do we present that to people? We hadn’t figured that out.”
Pinkett Smith stated the relationship became strained by them both being “stuck in our fantasy of what we thought the other person should be.
“I made a promise that there will never be a reason for us to get a divorce. We will work through … whatever,” Pinkett Smith says. “I just haven’t been able to break that promise.”
In a separate feature with PEOPLE, Jada Pinkett Smith revealed she thought the Oscars slap was a skit. You can read that here.
Jada Pinkett Smith is the cover star of the new edition of PEOPLE, and during the conversation, she reveals that she thought the Oscars slap was a skit.
“I thought, ‘This is a skit,’” Pinkett Smith said. “I was like, ‘There’s no way that Will hit him. It wasn’t until Will started to walk back to his chair that I even realized it wasn’t a skit.”
She stated after the show, the first thing she said to the Oscar-winning actor was “Are you okay?” Adding, “I’m going to be by his side but also allow him to have to figure this out for himself.”
The conversation circled her forthcoming book, Worthy, which will release on Oct. 17.
Jada Pinkett Smith knows everyone has been waiting 18 months for her to say something. Here it is.
Today (October 10), the 2023 BET Hip Hop Awards will be airing after filming took place in Atlanta last week. We got a look at what some of our favourite stars wore on the red carpet already, but when it comes to what went down inside, there’s still much to be seen on the small screen this evening. Fat Joe was tapped to host the annual ceremony, and ahead of its premiere, he spoke with PEOPLE about the artist he desperately wanted to see perform, but unfortunately couldn’t secure.
“You know who I didn’t successfully get was Will Smith,” the Terror Squad lyricist confessed, revealing that his hope was to have the actor do a hip-hop 50 tribute. “I was really trying to get Will Smith to come out and do ‘Summer Time’. He’s filming ‘Bad Boys,’ but we tried. We try to pull off a miracle if we can. We try to pull a cloud out of the sky,” Joe additionally noted.
Fat Joe Wanted to See Will Smith Perform “Summertime”
As for what viewers can expect to see, increased confidence from the 53-year-old is on the list. This marks his second year MCing the event, which he’s long been preparing for. “I always think back to being in junior high and doing the talent shows and then Apollo Theater Amateur Night and it all leads to this. And so it’s an honour for me,” Joe revealed. He also shared that we’ll see a total of eight outfit changes throughout the evening in an attempt to keep up with the notoriously stylish women of rap.
He may not have been able to come through for the annual BET Hip Hop Awards, but that doesn’t mean Will Smith isn’t still bringing new contributions to the genre. Just last month he announced that his Class of ’88 podcast will be coming soon to examine the world of rap during his younger years. Read more about that project at the link below, and let us know if you’ll be watching Fat Joe on hosting duty later this evening in the comments.
Jaden Smith is tired of the body slander! And rightfully so. He’s glowed up and is calling out the haters who are still tying him to his old ways. Specifically, he took to X to share a before-and-after photo of him self from his skinnier days. The “before” snapshot showcases a leaner version of himself from a few years ago. While the “after” photo portrays a current image where he’s seen confidently lifting weights at the gym, revealing a visibly bulkier physique. “Haters Will Post The One On The Left And Ignore The One On The Right,” Jaden typed. “Like [throw up emoji], Damn Can A Man Have His Phases [shrug emoji].”
The artist and actor has had a major transformation and evolution in recent years. And is no longer willing to be tied to his earlier self. It’s clear that Jaden Smith has been on a journey of self-discovery and self-improvement. And he’s determined to make his message clear. The message is body positivity and self-acceptance are essential. However, this isn’t a newfound journey for Jaden, as he’s been taking steps to improve his overall mental health as well. Specifically, he’s detailed his use of psychedelics to help him maintain relationships and contribute to his overall wellbeing.
Subsequently, in efforts to shed light on the way he thinks, Jaden Smith recently gave insight on his family’s journey into the world of psychedelics. He said it was his mother, Jada Pinkett Smith, that took the pioneering step. Speaking as a guest speaker at the Psychedelic Science conference in Denver, Smith shared his experiences with psychedelic substances. He revealed that it was his mother who initially introduced the family to these mind-altering compounds, a revelation reported by Essence. “It will actually help us to open up our minds to get out of the old ways of thinking that got us into lots of these arguments and open it up so that it just releases and makes room for you to work it out and massage it out until it’s completely gone,” Jaden explained.
Moreover, Jaden’s commitment to health and fitness has not only transformed his physique but also serves as an inspiration for his fans and followers. In a society that frequently idealizes certain body types, Jaden’s willingness to share his transformation challenges unrealistic standards. Even for men! And it promotes a more inclusive and positive body image narrative. As he continues to evolve as an artist and actor, Jaden Smith’s journey serves as a powerful reminder that power lies in the acceptance of oneself. By sharing his transformation, he’s reminding everyone that we all have a phase.
In several ways, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air is an iconic show. The TV sitcom aired for six seasons between 1990 and 1996, and has had a significant and lasting impact on both television and pop culture. The show featured a predominantly Black cast and addressed issues of race, class, and culture. Evidently, it was one of the first sitcoms to do so with humor and authenticity. Additionally, the positive portrayal of a loving, wealthy Black American family in the affluent Bel-Air neighborhood countered negative stereotypes often seen in the media.
Consequently, the show was a huge commercial success. Furthermore, it launched the acting career of Will Smith, its leading man. It also left a positively indelible mark on the portfolios of its supporting cast. The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air wrapped up 27 years ago, so of course, the cast members have since moved on from it. However, the show remains a significant part of pop culture, and its characters are still very much loved. The cast reunited in 2021 for an immersive, bittersweet reunion special, which aired on HBO Max.
Will Smith (William “Will” Smith)
Will Smith’s role as the titular character in The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air was a defining moment in his career. Evidently, it also had a significant impact on television and popular culture. In the show, he played the central character, a fictionalized version of himself. The success of Fresh Prince played a pivotal role in Will Smith’s transition from a rapper to a Hollywood superstar. This eventually led to a string of successful films in the ‘90s and after.
He has since built an extensive filmography and is now one of the most bankable figures in Hollywood. He has starred in many blockbuster movies, including the Men in Black franchise (1997 – 2012), Aladdin (2019), and King Richard (2021). For his performance in the latter biopic, he won the Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role. He has been married to actress and host Jada Pinkett Smith since late 1997.
James Avery (Philip Banks)
Uncle Phil was a standout and beloved character in the popular sitcom. The character was brilliantly played to perfection by the late-great James Avery. Avery brought a wealth of acting experience and talent to the role. Additionally, he had excellent on-screen chemistry with the rest of the cast. The veteran actor unfortunately passed away in December 2013 due to complications from open heart surgery. Before his death, Avery made multiple appearances in films and TV shows after finishing with The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. These include The Closer (2005-2007), Steppin: The Movie (2009), and Let the Game Begin (2010), among many others.
Janet Hubert (Vivian Banks)
Janet Hubert originated the role of Vivian Banks in The Fresh Prince. She was a prominent member of the main cast, but she only stayed on for the first three seasons. Hubert has appeared in many shows and movies since, including One Life to Live (2005-2010), General Hospital (2018-2020), and The Perfect Find (2023). She is a mother of one and has been married to Larry Kraft for 18 years. Hubert suffers from a skeletal disorder called osteoporosis and serves as the ambassador of the National Osteoporosis Foundation.
Daphne Maxwell Reid (Vivian Banks)
Daphne Maxwell Reid took over from Hubert and played Aunt Viv from season four until the end. Prior to The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Daphne Maxwell Reid had an established acting career in both television and film. At the show’s conclusion, her career continued to take off, and she kept bagging roles. Now 75 years old, she’s taking on fewer roles these days but still very active. Her last two film roles were in Harriet (2019) and A Jazzman’s Blues (2022). Reid has also played the role of Janice in Bel-Air, a drama reimagining of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, since 2022.
Alfonso Ribeiro (Carlton Banks)
Carlton Banks was known for his preppy and conservative personality, contrasting sharply with his cousin Will’s laidback and street-smart demeanor. Alfonso Ribeiro’s portrayal of Carlton remains one of the show’s most iconic and enduring characters. Ribeiro is celebrated not only for his comedic talent, but also for the depth he brought to the character.
Since his role as Carlton and the iconic “The Carlton” dance, which he was known for, Ribeiro has gone on to become a prominent actor, director, and entertainment star. He has also directed several episodes of shows, including In the House (1997-1998), All of Us (2006-2007), and Shake It Up (2012-2013). Furthermore, Ribeiro was the champion of the 19th season of Dancing with the Stars. He is also set to appear as the main host of the 32nd season of the dance competition television series.
Karyn Parsons (Hilary Violet Banks)
Karyn Parsons’ portrayal of Hilary Banks in The Fresh Prince contributed significantly to the show’s humor and dynamic. Parsons’ impeccable comedic timing and her ability to deliver sharp one-liners were quintessential to the show’s spirit. She has kept a relatively low profile since finishing with The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and has only appeared in a handful of movies and shows. She has been married to director Alexandre Rockwell since 2003, and they have two children together.
Tatyana M. Ali (Ashley Banks)
Tatyana M. Ali was only 11 years old when she appeared in the first season of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. Her role as Ashley Banks allowed her to grow as an actress alongside her character, from a young girl to a young woman. Her character’s relatability and charm also contributed to the show’s appeal and legacy. Ali is now in her 40s, and has built up an impressive filmography since completing the show’s end. She has starred in several films and shows, including Glory Road (2006), Half and Half (2003), and Fancy Nancy (2018-2022). She is married to Dr. Vaughn Rasberry, and they have two sons together.
DJ Jazzy Jeff (Jazz)
DJ Jazzy Jeff is the second half of the iconic rap duo, DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince. He played the character Jazz, Will’s best friend in the show. Jazzy Jeff was a recurring member of the cast, but he also appeared on all six seasons of the show. DJ Jazzy Jeff became a prominent record producer in the music industry. He has since worked with many prominent artists and released multiple solo works over the last two decades.
Joseph Marcell (Geoffrey Butler)
Joseph Marcell portrays Geoffrey Butler, the Banks family’s loyal butler, in The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. His snooty, sarcastic wit provided much of the show’s hilarious moments. Following his role on the show, Marcell continued to work in the entertainment industry, appearing in film and television. Some of the shows and movies he has starred in are The Bold and Beautiful (2003-2004), The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind (2019), and Ratched (2020) among others.
Joyner Lucas has recently revealed a surprise joint album with none other than Will Smith. The announcement, in celebration of the Hollywood legend’s birthday, promises an exciting musical collaboration between the two artists. A Letter From Lucas To Smith On Monday, September 25, Joyner Lucas took to Instagram to announce a new joint album project […]
Joyner Lucas is giving Will Smith his flowers. In a sweet and sentimental IG post yesterday (Sept. 25) on Will Smith’s birthday, Lucas shared a video of the two making music together. He also wrote a heartfelt caption to match. “Dear hero,” Lucas started. “I never thought I’d ever meet you. Still trips me out that I grew up idolizing you, to then me making a record about my admiration and respect for you, to then you asking me to create a whole album with you,” he continued. “Happy Birthday @willsmith. Love you til the end of time my dear brother.”
While the recent video clip of Joyner Lucas and Will Smith collaborating on music have caught the attention of fans and media alike, it’s essential to note that their musical connection isn’t just now starting. In fact, Will Smith has shown love to Lucas on social media before. He stated in a Facebook post earlier this year, he deemed Lucas to be his favorite rapper. It’s clear that their admiration for each other’s work extends beyond the surface. Now, the two have a joint album coming together!
What truly excites fans is the potential of a collaborative album between these two remarkable talents. Furthermore, it’s worth mentioning that this isn’t the first time Will Smith and Joyner Lucas have joined forces in the world of music. Back in 2020, they collaborated on a remix of the track “Will,” a heartfelt homage to Will Smith’s illustrious career in both television and film. Their previous musical endeavor showcased their ability to craft compelling music together, laying the groundwork for what could potentially be a groundbreaking album that transcends boundaries and genres.
Additionally, Joyner Lucas’ appreciation for Will Smith’s influence extends beyond their 2020 collaboration. Earlier this year, Lucas released the track, “Devil’s Work Part 2.” This song goes into a few significant pop culture events, including the memorable Will Smith and Chris Rock confrontation at the Oscars in March 2022. Lucas rapped about a world where Will Smith hadn’t confronted him, and what things would be like, and if Rock chose a different topic to joke about. In essence, fans and music enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting the moment when Lucas and Smith can combine their creative forces. Stay tuned to HNHH for any new developments!
, Damn Can A Man Have His Phases
