Will Smith’s ‘Heart Shattered’ When His Son Jaden Smith Asked to Become an Emancipated Minor at 15

In his memoir entitled “Will”, renowned actor Will Smith reveals his profound experiences as a parent and the intricate dynamics within his family. In an emotionally charged excerpt obtained by People, Smith recounts a devastating moment that deeply affected him as a father.

The pivotal incident involved his younger son, Jaden Smith, who faced stringent media scrutiny following the disappointing performance of their 2013 film, “After Earth.” Smith’s memoir promises an unvarnished and sincerely raw account of his life.

“‘After Earth’ was a catastrophic box office and critical failure,” Smith, 53, writes. “But worse than that was Jaden bearing the brunt of it. The media was relentless and exceedingly harsh; the things said and printed about Jaden were unspeakable. Jaden had meticulously followed my guidance. And in doing so, I had inadvertently led him into the worst public ordeal of his life.”

Will Smith felt strongly that Jaden had at the time felt betrayed

Smith writes, “We never openly discussed it, but I knew he felt deeply betrayed. He felt misled, and consequently, he lost his faith in my leadership.” He adds that Jaden broached the subject of becoming emancipated at just 15. “At fifteen years old, when Jaden asked about being an emancipated minor, my heart shattered,” Smith shares, according to People. “Ultimately, he chose against it, but it was gut-wrenching to feel like I had hurt my own child.”

Not only affecting Jaden, but Will Smith also talks about his daughter Willow in his upcoming memoir

The memoir also chronicles the lessons Smith learned while navigating his daughter Willow’s burgeoning career. Now 22, Willow had her breakthrough with her hit song “Whip My Hair” in 2010. Then just 10 years old, Willow signed on for a month-long tour as the opening act for Justin Bieber. However, she quickly realized that the music tour lifestyle was not for her and expressed her desire to halt the tour to her father.

As of now, neither Will Smith nor Jaden Smith’s representatives have commented on these revelations. Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith share two children, Jaden (23) and Willow (22), and he also has a 28-year-old son, Trey, with his former spouse, Sheree Zampino.

Rebelling against societal expectations, Willow gave her father a loud awakening

Smith’s memoir vividly recounts a significant act of rebellion by Willow during her tour. After being reminded by her father of her committed tour dates in Australia, Willow declared her strong desire to end the tour. That night, she boldly shaved her head entirely.

The next morning brought a surprise for Smith when Willow entered the kitchen for breakfast with a completely shaved head. Smith describes this moment of awakening for him, remarking how his “world-dominating, hair-whipping, future global superstar” had suddenly become bald, leaving him stunned.

‘My mind was in turmoil — how was she supposed to whip her hair without any? Who’d want to watch a kid whip her head back and forth without hair? But then, slowly, I understood: In a moment of profound clarity and connection, she got through to me. I leaned in, looked deeply into her eyes, and acknowledged, “I got it. I am so sorry. I see you.”‘

Future plans for the Smiths?

Father and son duo Will and Jaden Smith have collaborated on various projects, including the 2006 movie “The Pursuit of Happyness.” In his memoir, Will Smith not only provides an intimate portrayal of his life and career but also delves deeply into his relationships with his three children: Trey (29), Jaden (23), and Willow (22).

Smith candidly discusses the highs and lows of his marriages, first with Sheree Zampino, with whom he shares Trey, and later with actress Jada Pinkett Smith, the mother of Jaden and Willow. This memoir promises readers an unfiltered look at Smith’s experiences, his journey as a father, and the learnings that shaped him.