On October 10, 2023, Jada Pinkett Smith, 52, in a series of interviews, revealed that she and her husband, actor Will Smith, 55, have been living separate lives for the past seven years.
The pair, who tied the knot in 1997, have maintained their separation in private since 2016. After numerous attempts to reconcile their differences, they decided against formalizing their separation through divorce, adhering to a commitment Jada previously made to Will. The two continue to hold deep respect and care for each other, despite enduring various hurdles in their relationship, including Jada’s 2020 acknowledgment of her affair with the singer, August Alsina, 31.
Jada Pinkett Smith, in her recent conversations with the media, attributed part of their relationship strain to the couple’s contrasting views on life. Even as they lead separate lives, they have retained their marital status.
The public eye has occasionally cast a critical gaze on the couple, more so after events like Jada’s disclosure in 2020 and an incident involving Will Smith and Chris Rock at the 2022 Oscars. Nonetheless, the duo has consistently shown mutual support. Pinkett Smith expressed gratitude for the understanding and support they received from their children, Jaden, 25, and Willow, 22, during these periods.
In her interviews, Pinkett Smith emphasized that the decision to not announce their separation earlier stemmed from their quest to navigate their relationship’s complexities.