Will Smith Opens Up About Challenges Faced During Career, Calling Fame A “Unique Monster” [Video]

Will Smith candidly discussed his personal life, including the numerous well-publicized highs and lows he has experienced in recent times.

During the Red Sea International Film Festival in Saudi Arabia, the 55-year-old actor expressed his thoughts on fame in light of the challenges he has faced over the past few years. According to a video shared by Deadline on X, formerly known as Twitter, Smith stated, “Fame is a unique monster. I’ve had to be really careful.”

He added, “You can’t get excited when everybody is saying good things about you because the more you take when people are saying good things about you, the more hurt you’re going to be when people are saying bad things about you.”

Smith also elaborated that the recent challenges he has faced have led him to reassess and shift his personal priorities.

“What I’ve experienced in my adversities of the last couple years is, I have to be clear about who I am and what I am attempting to do in the world. I can’t need others to applaud for me to stay focused on my mission,” the Oscar-winner said. “I have always wanted to put good into the world, I have always wanted to make people smile, “I HaveI have always been devoted to the process of joy and inspiration, and I want you to feel good.”

In the past few years, Smith has experienced significant criticism and backlash. One notable incident occurred during the 2022 Oscars when he slapped presenter Chris Rock in response to a joke about his wife, Jada Pinkett Smith’s, shaved head. Additionally, the Smiths’ marriage came under intense scrutiny after Pinkett Smith revealed, while promoting her memoir, “Worthy,” that the couple had actually been separated since 2016.