Jada Pinkett-Smith returns with Red Table Talk, says Will Smith and family are ‘in deep healing’ after Oscars slap

It was the slap heard around the world so it’s no surprise that Jada Pinkett-Smith has addressed the Oscars incident as her Red Table Talk returns.

Will Smith slapping Chris Rock was the slap that launched a thousand thinkpieces, splitting opinions down the middle. It had many talking about toxic masculinity and misogynoir—condemning Will’s actions—while others were quick to defend the star, especially after his 10 year ban from the Oscars was announced, something many felt was hypocritical when compared with the actions of Harvey Weinstein and Roman Polanski.  

With a new season of Red Table Talk—the online chat show where Jada, her mother, Adrienne Banfield-Norris, and daughter, Willow Smith, discuss a variety of topics—it’s only fair to assume many were eager to hear what Jada had to say on the matter.

Addressing the slap and its aftermath in a written statement at the beginning of Red Table Talk’s new season, the actress wrote “Considering all that has happened in the last few weeks, the Smith family has been focusing on deep healing.”

“Some of the discoveries around our healing will be shared when the time calls.

“Until then, the table will continue offering itself to powerful, inspiring, and healing testimonies like that of our incredibly impressive first guest. Thanks for joining us.”

Will addressed the incident on his social media.

He wrote, "Violence in all of its forms is poisonous and destructive. My behavior at last night's Academy Awards was unacceptable and inexcusable. Jokes at my expense are a part of the job, but a joke about Jada's medical condition was too much for me to bear and I reacted emotionally."

Apologizing directly to Chris Rock, he added he was "out of line". He also apologized to the Academy and the Williams family.

"I deeply regret that my behavior has stained what has been an otherwise gorgeous journey for all of us.”

How to watch Red Table Talk

Red Table Talk is exclusively available on Facebook Watch. Facebook Watch is a free video service within the social media platform.

Anyone with an active Facebook account login and can watch videos on the platform.

Red Table Talk first premiered back in 2018 and is now on its fifth season.

The first guest for the new season of Red Table Talk was actress and singer Janelle Monáe.

Other guests featuring this season include Ireland Baldwin, Kim Basinger, Barbara Corcoran, Ayleen Charlotte, and Janet Hawthorne.