Jada Pinkett Smith, renowned for hosting Red Table Talk and discussing unconventional topics, is known for her upfront and transparent approach. The Smith family, too, embraces this tradition, sparing their fans the need to delve into rumors for updates. Whether it was their candid discussions about open marriage or Jaden Smith’s revelation about psychedelics, they laid it all bare for their admirers and the public. This mutual respect and transparency created a sense of contentment among their followers. This, however, did not prepare their fandom for Pinkett Smith’s ultra candid confessions.

The world was taken aback when the Girls Trip actress, after 7 years of concealing it, decided to open up about her separation from Will Smith. Undoubtedly, she had a compelling reason to keep this news hidden for so long.

The one reason that stopped Jada Pinkett Smith

Despite the Smith family’s reputation for being intriguing, they have consistently been some of the most open celebrities out there. Pinkett Smith, in particular, has offered profound insights into her life through her memoir, Worthy. Yet, the question lingered: why did she keep the separation under wraps for so long? In an interview on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Smith disclosed, “I really needed time to get myself together.” She went on to highlight that it was during this contemplative period about her divorce that the Oscars unfolded, changing the entire game.

Diving into the Oscar saga, the American actress pointed to a moment when Will Smith‘s mental health was suffering due to the strain of the Emancipation project. They decided to embark on a therapy journey together. When Smith received an Oscar nomination, he wished for Jada to accompany him even though she was hesitant to join him as his wife. However, the infamous slapgate incident changed everything. It was at that moment she realized her love for him. Though she did not enter as his wife, she left as one. Smith humorously summed it up as the “holy joke,” the “holy slap,” and the “holy lesson.”

Indeed, the “holy slap” became a pivotal moment that allowed the Smith couple to rekindle their relationship. Surprisingly, they did not go through with a divorce even after years of separation.

How the Oscar slapgate saved the Smiths’ marriage

Months passed after the incident, and the couple maintained a low public profile. However, it was not until some time later that they were spotted in Malibu, with Jada holding onto Will’s waist. Following the Oscars slap controversy, Jada Smith candidly shared her reflections on the separation. But more importantly, both of them actively focused on their personal growth.

During their separation, they wrestled with power struggles and exhaustion. Furthermore, it was a phase that nudged them toward self-love before they could fully embrace their love for each other. Even in the midst of their challenges, the couple managed to avoid taking each other for granted, as reported by Filmfare. This alongside a lovestruck promise helped Jada Pinkett Smith and Will Smith to avoid a divorce.

What do you think about this one reason helmed by Jada? Share your thoughts in the comments below.