In a candid interview with NBC News, actress Jada Pinkett Smith has disclosed that she and her husband, actor Will Smith, have been living separately since 2016. The 52-year-old actress noted that while they are still legally married, they are in the process of figuring out the dynamics of their relationship. The couple had reached a point of exhaustion by 2016 due to dissonance between their idealized notions of each other and reality.
Pinkett Smith shared that although she contemplated divorce, she could not bring herself to shatter the vow she had made to never part ways. She added that no matter the circumstances, they would strive to work through everything. This commitment was tested when Pinkett Smith confessed in 2020 to having an affair with musician August Alsina.
The couple, who tied the knot in 1997, are parents to two children – Jaden (25) and Willow (22). Smith also has a third child from a prior relationship – Trey (30).
In another interview with People magazine, Pinkett Smith expressed her deep affection for her husband and their collective endeavor to redefine their relationship. She also lauded her children for their teachings of self-acceptance and unconditional love.
The recent Oscars incident where Will Smith smacked comedian Chris Rock on live television following a joke about Pinkett Smith’s bald head came as a shocker. Initially, the actress thought it was a scripted act and only realized its authenticity once Smith returned to his seat.
Apart from discussing her personal life, Pinkett Smith also opened up about her mental health struggles in the People interview. She admitted to using the psychedelic drug ayahuasca as a means to cope with depression and suicidal thoughts. Having found comfort in this unconventional treatment method, she stated that it helped eliminate these negative thoughts and fostered an intimate relationship with herself.
These revelations come at a time when Pinkett Smith is on a promotional stint for her new book. The actress, who also hosts the online talk show Red Table Talk, is known for her candidness and willingness to discuss personal and societal issues.