Jada Pinkett Smith and Will Smith Were Separated for 6 Years Before Oscar Slap

In the 18 months since the incident at the Oscars where Will Smith slapped Chris Rock over a joke about his wife’s shaved head, Jada Pinkett Smith had remained relatively silent regarding the matter. However, as she prepares for the release of her forthcoming memoir, “Worthy,” scheduled for October 17, Pinkett Smith has disclosed to People that she and her husband had been living separately for a period of six years before the 2022 Oscars.

Regarding the status of their marriage, Pinkett Smith mentioned, “We’re still in the process of finding our way. We’ve been engaged in some deeply profound work together. We have a profound love for each other, and we’re committed to determining what that means for us.”

In a separate preview of her upcoming interview with Hoda Kotb, titled “Jada’s Story—An NBC News Special,” set to air on October 13, Jada Pinkett Smith delves further into her and Will Smith’s relationship. She explained, “I made a commitment that divorce would never be an option for us. We will work through any challenges. I’ve held true to that commitment.” However, she confirmed that they are living apart.

Pinkett Smith recalled her immediate reaction to the Oscars incident, saying, “I initially thought it was part of a skit. I couldn’t believe Will had actually struck him. It only dawned on me that it wasn’t staged when Will returned to his seat.” When they were alone, her first words to Smith were, “Are you okay?”

The incident occurred shortly before Smith received the Best Actor award for “King Richard,” leading to his resignation from the Academy and a ten-year ban from attending the Oscars. Pinkett Smith expressed her intent to support her husband but also acknowledged that he needs to navigate this situation himself.

In the same interview, Pinkett Smith provided insights into the challenges in their relationship. She confessed, “After I met Will, I neglected my mental health entirely. I was so captivated by him and our dynamic that I believed I had been cured.” She mentioned that she stopped taking Prozac because “he became my source of happiness.”

Will Smith shared his perspective on their unconventional marriage in 2021, explaining that Jada had a background of non-traditional relationships within her family. They engaged in numerous conversations about the concept of a perfect relationship, acknowledging that monogamy was a choice they made, but not the only ideal form of partnership. Their relationship was built on trust and freedom, with a focus on individual self-discovery. Smith cautioned that their path might not be suitable for everyone, but he considered it the highest form of love, marked by unconditional support and liberty.