Resurfaced clip shows Jada Pinkett Smith addressing cheating allegations and why she chose to go public with the relevation.
Image: Instagram
A resurfaced clip of Jada Pinkett Smith from her 2023 memoir press run is making the rounds again, bringing renewed attention to one of the most talked-about moments in her marriage.
In the clip, shared during the rollout of her memoir "I Am, You Are, We Are, Worthy!", the actress reflects on her past “entanglement” with musician and friend to her son (Jaden Smith) at the time, August Alsina, explaining why she chose to publicly admit to the relationship while she was married to Will Smith.
According to her, the decision was less about confession and more about protection.
During that time, Jada had her own talk show, "Red Table Talk", where she spoke about various topics with her mother and daughter.
She shared that her husband, who wanted to be supportive and appear with her on the show. However, he struggled when the time came. That’s when she decided to speak her truth to protect her husband.
“Well, I’m gonna have to speak my truth, but I’m also gonna protect you.
“So if I gotta look like the adulterous wife to make sure you’re good, I’m gonna do it,” she said.
She explained that at the time, she prioritised Will’s emotional well-being, even if it meant taking on public criticism.
“I learned how to love myself and not leave Will on the side of the road. And I hadn’t learned how to love Will and not leave myself on the side of the road,” she said.
“In that moment, because I felt so bad that he was in this situation, I decided I’m gonna love you, Will, and I’m gonna leave myself at the side of the road.”
Jada added that she accepted being seen as the villain if it meant closing that chapter for her family.
“Okay, I’m the bad guy. I’m the worst. Great. Let’s be done with it. I wanted it done. You got your answer. I’m the adulterous wife. Let’s be done. And let’s move on.”
Her comments revisit a moment that first played out publicly in 2020 on her show, where she and Will ended up addressing the situation while revealing they had been separated at the time.
The couple’s relationship has remained under public scrutiny since then, especially following the viral fallout from the Academy Awards in 2022, when Will slapped comedian Chris Rock on stage after a joke about Jada.