Will Smith has come under intense scrutiny once again, this time for a steamy stage performance with Spanish singer India Martínez at Univision's 37th Premio Lo Nuestro Awards in Miami. The 56-year-old actor, who remains legally married to Jada Pinkett Smith, joined Martínez, 39, for their new single "First Love" and sparked a frenzy on social media due to what many viewers saw as "inappropriate" behavior. In an Instagram clip, Smith and Martínez appeared to nearly kiss, causing fans to erupt with commentary about the actor's choices amid his complicated marital status.
"Inappropriate. Even if it is 'entertainment,'" one critic wrote, while another commented, "Will Smith gives off really creepy old man vibes in this clip. Cringe." Yet another user said, "I was waiting for Jada to come out from left stage and smack the sh!t outta her for kissing her man." The remarks highlight the ongoing skepticism and curiosity surrounding Will's personal life, which has been in the public eye since Jada Pinkett Smith revealed in 2023 that the couple has been separated for seven years.
Martínez posted behind-the-scenes photos on her Instagram, featuring one snapshot in which she is seen wrapping her legs around Will's waist. This prompted further outrage, with viewers calling the moment "cringe." One social media commentator wrote, "That guy embarrasses himself left and right," and another added, "Someone come get their dad off the stage, please." While some defended the performance as creative expression, the overarching sentiment centered on confusion about Will's relationship status.
Will Smith doing him now
Proud of him pic.twitter.com/0DWkPmPfhs — UncleKeyz (@mnm_meya) February 26, 2025
The controversy, dubbed "Smoochgate," follows closely on the heels of Smith's infamous "Slapgate," when he slapped comedian Chris Rock at the 2022 Oscars over a joke about Jada's alopecia. Jada Pinkett Smith later referred to the incident as "the 'holy slap'" that ultimately helped save their marriage, telling Daily Mail's YOU Magazine in December 2023, "That moment of the s- hitting the fan is when you see where you really are... it took that slap for me to see I will never leave him."
According to several fans, the timing of Will's flirtatious performance with Martínez was especially jarring, given recent revelations about his and Jada's long-standing separation. In her 2023 memoir "Worthy," Jada explained that by 2016, "We were just exhausted with trying." Yet she insisted on her commitment to avoid divorce, saying, "I made a promise that there will never be a reason for us to get a divorce. We will work through whatever. And I just haven't been able to break that promise."
Smith and Martínez had been openly promoting "First Love" in the days leading up to the awards show. On Valentine's Day, Smith teased the release on Instagram, writing that he wanted to "celebrate" the holiday. Martínez commented at the time, "We're like two children in their first love." The singer later posted another video calling Smith her "very special CUPID," saying the pair was "so happy" about the response to the track. She also shared a photo of herself on the red carpet in a bright orange dress, which Smith reportedly "liked."
While some fans argue the performance was nothing more than stage theatrics, others point to the intimate chemistry displayed during the show and backstage. Smith, for his part, has not publicly addressed the backlash over "Smoochgate." A representative for Martínez could not be reached for comment, and Smith's team has yet to issue a statement in response to the criticism. The pair has a history of online banter, though the new swirl of scrutiny comes as Will's personal life remains under the microscope.
Smith and Pinkett Smith have been married since 1997, sharing two children together-Jaden, 26, and Willow, 24-while Smith also has an older son, Trey, 32, from a previous relationship. Despite Jada's admission that she and Will have lived separately for years, neither has officially filed for divorce, and they have consistently mentioned their vow to work through any conflict. Even so, the public nature of their relationship has made them magnets for widespread speculation, with many watchers questioning how the couple moves forward.
As for Martínez, she has been a successful artist in the Spanish music scene for years, earning acclaim for her powerful vocals. In the aftermath of the Miami performance, some supporters claim the staged display may have been overblown. "You can tell the attempt was a joke," wrote one commenter. "They never actually kissed. He leaned his forehead down as to get their lips further apart." Meanwhile, more critical voices continue to deem the interaction a misstep on Smith's part.
