Actress Jada Pinkett Smith was understandably “furious” when Child Protective Services investigated her and her husband, actor Will Smith. During an episode of her Facebook Watch show, Red Table Talk, Smith opened up about the time they were investigated by CPS because it was believed they were starving their daughter, Willow.
Six years ago, a photo of a then 13-year-old Willow went public that created a lot of waves. The photo showed a fully clothed Willow laying on a bed next to a shirtless 20-year-old man named Moises Arias.
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Smith said she viewed the photo of her daughter and her daughter’s friend as innocent. However, after the photo went public, CPS was contacted by someone who was concerned that the mother and father were starving their daughter.
Jada Pinkett Smith Said the Moment They Were Reported to CPS Was the First Time She Was Ever Furious
“When someone called Child Protective Services, they said we were starving Willow,” Jada explained, now able to laugh about the experience. However, at the time, the mom said, “That was the first time I ever got furious.”
Willow wasn’t happy about it either. She talked about the day a woman from CPS came to their home for a visit. “I was looking at the lady and the whole time I was thinking, ‘You could be helping so many kids right now, and you’re wasting your time with a child who has everything they need.'”
Willow continued saying that when the woman—who Jada called very nice during the whole ordeal—was in their home, she ate the entire time she was there. At the time, Jada was horrified by the way her kids were acting during the interviews.
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“I walked in with a bowl of cereal specifically because I knew that they said you were starving me. I was like, ‘You know what? I’m going to walk in with food and eat the entire time! I’m going to eat throughout the entire interview!”
And although the ordeal was infuriating, Jada admitted that it brought their whole family closer together and proved that in a time of crisis, they would stand by each other no matter what.
It was also a good example to their kids of why she and Will were always so protective of their public image. Willow agreed it was an eye-opening experience.
Willow is a wonderfully outspoken young woman, who has used her platform to bring light to important issues before.
Willow has openly talked about her sexuality and gender fluidity with the Human Rights Campaign. And she continued to be open and honest with her mom weekly as they discuss important issues around the red table.
“I love men and women equally,” she says. “And it’s really about, for me, the evolution of human relations.”
Willow even talked with her mom on Red Table Talk about strengthening their relationship through vulnerability.
A truly touching mom-daughter moment, if ever there were one.
Jada often confronts tough issues like this on Red Table Talk.
From Jada and Willow talking with superstar guests like Alicia Keys and Sandra Bullock:
“I’ve been battling what I realized is potentially some self-worth issues,” Keys says in the clip. Jada, Willow, and the other hosts nod dramatically in understanding.
To very powerful conversations with comedian Chelsea Handler about white privilege, Jada also uses her show to talk about personal issues, like the Oscars slap heard around the world.
Jada Opens Up About Will Smith Slapping Chris Rock at the Oscars
Jada also sat down with transgender pastor Paula Williams to discuss her moving story and remarkable journey.
Jada Speaks with Transgender Pastor Paula Williams
We just love Jada for giving a platform to inspiring and unique stories like these. It’s definitely worth a watch!
Jada Confronts Rapper T.I.
Jada also interviewed rapper T.I. after a story broke that enraged the internet.
In the interview, T.I. admitted that he “understands” how upsetting his remarks regarding his daughter were. We appreciate Jada making the effort to get him on the record about such a big story!
But it’s not all heavy news!
Also of Note: Willow is a woman of many talents!
At the end of one episode of Red Table Talk, Willow joined Alicia Keys for a truly beautiful piano-singalong
That’s right! Willow is also an accomplished musician herself!
Here’s Willow showing off some more of her musical chops:
Did you know Willow dropped a full album of original music this year called Willow? It’s a really good album; we recommend you give it a listen!
But it’s not all serious stuff and Red Table Talks in the Pinkett-Smith household!
Dad-and-Daughter Times
Jada often shares photos of her family living their absolute best lives. Like this truly wonderful dad-daughter photo of Will and Willow together over the Christmas holiday.
Willoween
For Willow’s birthday, the Pinkett-Smith family through a Halloween-themed party, which they cheekily titled Willoween.
A birthday party for the history books, to be sure!
‘Wonder Twins Activate!’
Jada also shared this great photo of Willow and brother Jaden Smith backstage.
Iconic style for iconic siblings!
Speaking of iconic siblings…
We love this stoic photo of Willow and Jaden!
Both Jada and Willow are inspiring because they use their platform and the strength of their family name to bring hope and empowerment to all who listen.
We’re inspired by their inner strength; it makes us feel stronger ourselves! Keep up the important work!