Tyrese Says Psych Meds Caused 2017 Breakdown & Claims Of $5Mil Will Smith Gift

In 2017, Tyrese said Will & Jada gave him $5 million during his custody battle. He now admits it never happened.

BYErika Marie
Link Copied to Clipboard!
5.9K Views
"I Am Legend" New York Premiere - Outside Arrivals

There was a season of Tyrese's public life when people were concerned about his mental health. The multihyphenate entertainer took to the internet with an outrageous claim back in 2017, and he's clarifying what was going on for him at the time. During that season, Tyrese and his ex-wife Norma Mitchell were engaged in a bitter custody battle. The singer appeared online in a tearful video that has gone down in viral history. He lamented over his daughter and elsewhere, Tyrese claimed Will Smith gave him $5 million to help him with the legal fees involved in his custody dispute.

At the time, Tyrese wrote: "My wife kept the news away from me 'cause I've been on with lawyers all day, but our family and our sister Jada Pinkett-Smith and my brother Will Smith just sent us 5 million dollars to help keep us afloat. The Smiths and their whole family has always shown up for The Gibson's. Uncle Will you're an uncle for real." However, soon Smith's team would emerge with a denial. They insisted the Oscar winner didn't loan the Fast & Furious star any money.

Tyrese Claims Depression Meds Were The Culprit

LOS ANGELES, CA - JUNE 30: Actor Will Smith, producer Sean Combs and actor Tyrese arrive to the Premiere of Sony Pictures' 'Hancock" at Grauman's Chinese Theatre on June 30, 2008 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images)

In their 2017 reaction to Tyrese's claims, the Smiths further admitted they were longtime friends of the actor. There were also rumors that the couple was concerned he was in the midst of "some sort of breakdown," and in a recent appearance on Sway's Universe, Tyrese addressed the controversy. He says it was the depression medications he was prescribed that made him act that way.

"Will Smith is gonna give me $5 million? I never even talked to Will Smith. I was out of my mind," he stated. After losing custody of his daughter with Mitchell, Tyrese was prescribed Rexulti. Insider reported the medication could cause sudden changes in moods and uncontrollable impulses.

Back On Track

Tyrese and his ex are now on better terms, and he regularly sees their daughter. "I travel, and I move all the time. I'm used to being away from my baby. But to take my baby away for 100 days? Oh, I was f*cking miserable," Tyrese admitted to Sway. "So, then the psychiatrist says, 'Here's some psych meds that'll help stabilize your mood, because you barely sleep, you're stressed the f*ck out, and your firstborn was taken away from you.'"

"You put some sh*t like Rexulti in my system, it's going to have the worst adverse effects ever," he added. "I'm online talking about Will Smith giving me $5 million. I never talked to Will Smith and I still haven't recovered from the damage that I did to him and his family. They didn't deserve them phone calls."

[via]

  • Link Copied to Clipboard!
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.