Will Smith’s circle of allies in Hollywood has grown thin in recent years, but he hasn’t been left completely adrift. In the wake of his public and personal blunders, the actor has found strength in an enduring friendship that dates back to the earliest days of his career. While his marriage to Jada Pinkett Smith appears increasingly fractured, this longtime friend steps up to offer a strong suggestion.
Dana Owens is the longtime friend of Will Smith, but others may recognize her as Queen Latifah. She remains one of Smith’s few remaining loyal friends. Their bond began long before red carpets and blockbuster roles, stretching back to their days as rising stars in the early ’90s. Latifah even made multiple guest appearances on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air starting in 1991. This cemented a friendship that has weathered decades in the industry.
That being said, it makes Queen Latifah secure enough with their friendship to tell Will Smith the painful truth about his relationship with Jada Pinkett Smith. Queen Latifah calls it like she sees it, and right now she sees Will’s marriage to Jada as a mistake.
Sources close to the pair say Latifah has been one of Smith’s most vocal supporters since the Oscars incident. While others have distanced themselves, she has remained in his corner, offering him levelheaded advice and much-needed perspective. For a man who can sometimes get lost in his thoughts, that grounded influence has been invaluable, according to The Globe.
Will Smith’s Trouble at Home Mount
Will Smith’s personal life has been in a tailspin. He and Jada, parents of two grown children, are currently living apart. Jada Pinkett Smith has thrown herself into her podcast work. This has left Will to navigate his career and public image alone.
Latifah, who has known the couple since the beginning of their relationship, is said to be saddened by the distance between them. She remembers when they were deeply in love, making the current rift even harder to witness. From her perspective, Jada has all but turned her back on her husband, leaving him longing for a connection that may never be rekindled.
“Will still loves Jada, that’s the really sad part. He keeps hoping she’ll come around, but it’s been a very long time since she’s been in love with him,” states the insider.
Those close to the situation say Latifah has urged Will Smith to take a major step back from Jada Pinkett Smith. She wants him to focus on his happiness. While his feelings for his wife remain, it’s becoming clear that the love is not reciprocated in the same way.
Many believe this will not go over well with Jada. While she may want her space from Will. She likely won’t appreciate any outside advice on their relationship, even if it does come from an old friend. With one of his oldest friends urging him to put his well-being first. Is it time for Will Smith to finally step out of the shadow of his troubled marriage? Or will lingering hope keep him tied to a love that no longer seems to love him back?
Kendra Quinn 
Nina Franklin 
Sofia Bassett 
