Will Smith and Jada Pinkett presented a united front in Paris, stepping out together just days after an interaction that drew significant attention and online commentary. The couple, who have been separated since 2016 but maintain an unconventional "life partnership," were in the French capital to support their son, Jaden Smith, during fashion week.
On Thursday, Smith and Pinkett were seen leaving their hotel in Paris. Smith wore a burgundy baseball cap, matching trousers, and a white top, while Pinkett opted for a flowing pink dress paired with black boots. IMAGE1
The public appearance followed an incident earlier in the week where a clip showed Pinkett placing her hand on Smith's back as they headed to a car, then moving past him and walking away swiftly while he signed autographs for fans. Pinkett briefly smiled and turned back as photographers called her name. The video circulated online with captions alleging that Pinkett had "shoved Will Smith aside" and walked away as if he were a stranger.
This alleged gesture sparked a strong reaction from some of Smith's fans in online comment sections. Many expressed criticism of Pinkett's actions, with some users calling the relationship "toxic" and questioning Smith's continued connection to her. One comment stated, "Shoving him aside mid-autograph like that felt unnecessarily harsh." Another user wrote, "This relationship is toxic...simply put...if you have no respect for your spouse (Jada), then move on."
Smith and Pinkett were last seen together publicly for a family dinner in early June at Nobu Malibu, California, with Smith's mother and their sons Trey and Jaden. IMAGE6
The couple, legally married since 1997, have been open about their separation in 2016 and their decision to remain in a "life partnership" rather than pursue a divorce. Jada Pinkett Smith stated in a 2023 interview that they were "exhausted with trying" by 2016 and both felt they were "stuck in our fantasy of what we thought the other person should be." She also confirmed that they "live separately."
Pinkett Smith previously revealed in 2020 that she had an "entanglement" with singer August Alsina while she and Smith were separated. Despite this, she expressed a commitment to not divorcing Smith, stating, "I made a promise that there will never be a reason for us to get a divorce. We will work through whatever. And I just haven't been able to break that promise."
Will Smith is set to star in "Supermax," his first non-franchise film in years, with production scheduled to begin in August. This project marks a potential return to Hollywood following the 2022 Academy Awards incident. The couple's entertainment company, Westbrook, also recently signed a first-look film deal with Paramount, with Smith expected to star in projects developed under this partnership and Pinkett taking on producing roles.