Will Smithjoined wifeJada Pinkett Smithon stage in her hometown of Baltimore as he spoke out for the first time about their relationship since the release of her revealing book.
TheEmancipationactor, 55, joined his wife Wednesday during a talk for her new memoirWorthyat the Enoch Pratt Free Library, where he shared some heartfelt thoughts about his feelings for Jada and the couple’s relationship, including calling it “brutal and beautiful” and a “sloppy public experiment in unconditional love," according toThe Baltimore Banner.
The event featured a conversation between the 52-year-old actress and CNN’sLaura Coates— and even included an unscheduled onstage appearance from Jada’s family!
“I just really wanted to come out and just be here and hold it down for you the way you have held it down for me,” Will said from the stage, as his three children watched from over to one side.
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According to theBanner, the family, along with other relatives, was in town to celebrate the 70th birthday of Jada’s momAdrienne Banfield-Norris, but Will’s speech was focused on his wife and the couple’s “long” relationship.
“We have had a very, very long and tumultuous [relationship]. We call it ‘brutiful.’ It was brutal and beautiful at the same time,” Will also said during his speech, reportsThe Baltimore Sun.
John Cassini/Enoch Pratt Free Library
“We got together when we were in our 20s,” he told the audience, according to the outlet. “I had huge dreams of what I wanted to do in the world and in my life, and I was on fire with a vision. And as I stand here before you today, I am happier than I’ve ever been in my entire life.”
“There is not one thing left that I desire in this world — all of the awards, all of the money, the family — everything I’ve ever dreamed,” theOscarwinner added, per theBanner.
He continued, “And those dreams were largely built on the foundation of Jada’s sacrifices. There were many times when Jada put her career aside so I could follow the dreams of mine.”
Jada Pinkett Smith at the Enoch Pratt Free Library in Baltimore on Oct. 18, 2023.John Cassini/Enoch Pratt Free Library
Will also praised his wife for buildinga strong relationship with Zampino, which in turn allowed all three of the actor’s children to spend time with each other and the family.
Elsewhere in the speech, the actor said, according to theBanner, “Can you show up and love somebody for the rest of your life, even when you don’t agree with them?”
Will offered up an emotional promise to his wife: “Jada is the best friend I have ever had on this planet and I am going to show up for her and support her for the rest of my life."
“Thank you all for being a place for Jada to find her voice,” he then said, per theBanner.“Baltimore, coming home to you is really beautiful.”
Will and Jada Pinkett Smith.Getty
During the conversation with Coates earlier in the evening, Jada had addressed her relationship with Will, telling the anchor that the pair are “good” and she does not intend to leave his side.
“Will and me are good,” theGirls Tripactress said, according to theSun. “All the people who don’t understand and got something to say are just going to have to fall in line."
“The truth of the matter is I’m not leaving Will’s side and he’s not going to leave mine. We’ve been on a powerful quest. And I’m happier than I’ve ever been,” she added.
“The Pratt Library was happy to welcome Baltimore’s@jadapsmithand her family to the Library!” reada post from the library on X(formerly known as Twitter) on Wednesday evening.
Alongside the caption, the library posted a selection of photos from the event, including an image of Will and Jada on stage together and a shot of the two with Willow, Jaden and Trey.
Will’s emotional speech came after he posted a playful joke “statement” on Instagram Tuesday, amid revelations about his 25-year marriage and life with Jada, both from her memoir and recent interviews.
“OFFICIAL STATEMENT,” Will wrote in thecaption for the video. The apparently serious video began with the actor sitting on a chair in front of a fireplace.
“I got something for you, here’s the thing. So, my opinion of the — " he said, before lifting his arm and offering up a sneeze. The video then zoomed out through graphics of the earth, including waterfalls, mountains and a beach.
Last week, Jada toldHoda Kotbduring an interview for NBC that she and Will — who married in 1997 —have been separated since 2016, and explained the reason they had chosen not to share that publicly until now.
“I think just not being ready yet, still trying to figure out between the two of us how to be in a partnership and in regards to how do we present that to people. And we hadn’t figured that out,” she told Kotb.
Jada Pinkett Smith in Santa Monica, California, on Feb. 9, 2022.Amy Sussman/WireImage
Amy Sussman/WireImage
Ahead of the Tuesday release ofWorthy, Jada told PEOPLE in an exclusive interview published last week thatshe and Will are “still figuring it out.”
“We’ve been doing some really heavy-duty work together. We just got deep love for each other and we are going to figure out what that looks like for us,” theEmmywinner said.
However, in an interviewExtrathis week, she confirmed that the pairwill not be filing for divorce.
“Divorce is off the table,” Jada said. “We are life partners.”
Worthyis available now wherever books are sold.
source: people.com
