Jada Pinkett Smith Admits She Once Found Willow's Tears To Be "So Offensive"

BYErika Marie18.1K Views
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Trey Smith, Jada Pinkett Smith, Willow Smith, Will Smith

She had a hard time connecting to Willow's emotional pain.

There were plenty of emotional, vulnerable moments on Monday's episode of Red Table Talk with guests Demi Moore and her daughters, Rumer and Tallulah Willis. The group of women talked about addiction, insecurities, and co-dependency, but during the conversation, Jada admitted that there was a point when she struggled with dealing with Willow's emotions.

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"Back in the day, if I would be crying or have an upset, the energy was always like, 'Take that somewhere else. Take that somewhere else and deal with it on your own," Willow shared. Jada confirmed that she was distancing herself from her daughter, but it was a reflection of how she was handling herself. "Yeah, because that’s how I was treating myself," Jada said. "I didn’t want to be with my own feelings."

It was only when Jada went through a healing process of her own did she truly realize that she was keeping Willow's hurt, pain, and anxieties at arm's length, hindering her growth process. "As we come into our softness and vulnerability, there was a time when her tears were so offensive to me. So offensive," Jada said. "Which is why I was like, 'Take that over there. We can’t afford that here.' Not realizing, 'B*tch, you can afford it here. You’re not in Baltimore anymore. You absolutely can afford that here.' But I have to confront [the] fact that I denied her that, and I have to confront the fact that I can give it to her now and I can nurture now." Watch the episode below.


About The Author
Erika Marie is a seasoned journalist, editor, and ghostwriter who works predominantly in the fields of music, spirituality, mental health advocacy, and social activism. The Los Angeles editor, storyteller, and activist has been involved in the behind-the-scenes workings of the entertainment industry for nearly two decades. E.M. attempts to write stories that are compelling while remaining informative and respectful. She's an advocate of lyrical witticism & the power of the pen. Favorites: Motown, New Jack Swing, '90s R&B, Hip Hop, Indie Rock, & Punk; Funk, Soul, Harlem Renaissance Jazz greats, and artists who innovate, not simply replicate.