I don’t know much about author Terry McMillan, but I did read How Stella Got Her Groove Back and I have a vague memory of the 1998 movie. McMillan’s 24 years younger Jamaican boy toy, her romance with whom was chronicled in the book, has since left her for a man and probably only married her for his green card. That’s not related much to this story and I just found it interesting when the news came out.
Anyway McMillan tweeted recently that Willow and Jaden Smith are pretty arrogant for a couple of little kids and that they’re being “pimped and exploited.” McMillan went on to talk about her own son, who is around Willow’s age and is in the fourth grade. Willow, 10, of course has a singing career and is slated to star in a remake of Annie, produced by her dad Will. Jaden, 12, has starred in several movies including The Pursuit of Happyness and last year’s Karate Kid remake. You can read McMillian’s entire statement about this on Bossip and here’s a segment:
The Smith children already act like child stars. There’s an arrogance in their demeanor and behavior. I find it incredibly sad. It feels like the Smith children are being pimped and exploited. Or, they’re already hungry for fame. What about 4th grade?
A lot of A-list movie stars shielded their children from the Hollywood-world until they were old enough to decide. Look at those who didn’t. Look at Lindsay. Phoenix. To name but a few. They miss out on childhood. It’s more important than fame.
[Via Bossip]
I agree with her in principle. There is something stuck up about the Smith kids, but it’s not very nice to call them on it. They may act like they’re happy to have Hollywood careers but that’s the only life they know. If their parents encourage them to have careers in the spotlight that’s what they’re going to do. They’re just little kids and it’s not their fault.
After this quote got picked up by the media, McMillan half apologized in a post in which she blames people for paying attention to her. She’s able to express herself better than most, but she’s giving us the same “there’s a war on,” “it’s your fault for paying attention to the inflammatory things I say” argument that countless celebrities have used before her.
I apologize for using the word pimp and exploit in referring to the Smith children. It was insensitive of me and wrong. Twitter is not the best forum to express some things. I didn’t know folks would take my opinion so personally. It is amazing, though, how fast an unflattering comment gets retweeted versus one that’s flattering. I’m done with this issue. My opinion isn’t going to change anything.
There are a lot more important things going on in the world right now. My Mama used to say: “They’ll talk about you if you do. And talk about you if you don’t. Let ‘em talk.” Some folks look for a reason to criticize you. They’re getting off on it and are saying much worse things than I did. I’ve got work to do. I hope everybody who has something important to do today besides worry about the Smith children, does it.
And for those of you who were so offended by what I said or thought I was being disrespectful, unfollow me.
[Via Bossip]
So McMillan isn’t apologizing for calling out the Smiths or for calling their kids arrogant, she’s apologizing for her choice of words and blaming other people for paying attention to her. I wouldn’t be down on her if she would have either owned her comments or offered a sincere apology. As it is, she’s upset that people are calling her on it. She did bring up an important point though. The Smith kids should be in school. They’ll have plenty of time for their careers once they’re finished with their education. They don’t seem very grounded at all, but look at their parents. Will and Jada are two of the richest and most famous people in the world and they live in a rarefied bubble. They’re raising their kids to be little mirror images of them and even named them after themselves.
Photo of Terry McMillan below is the most recent I could find and is from 2007. Credit: WENN.com. Willow and Jaden are shown with mom Jada on 11/21/10 and also with dad Will on 7/25/10. Credit: WENN.com
She sounds like she’s backing down because it got blown up in the media, but she should own it if she believes it and she has a point.
Confidence is a great thing, but the son has an unattractive attitude.
This family has a tiny whiff of cult about it. Not in a religious sense, but in a sense of ‘we are larger than life and this is our destiny and our kids are entitled to be movie stars.’
I wish this story would just die. Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but we all raise our kids how we see fit. As long as they don’t turn out to be druggies or criminals, they’ll be fine.
This story is old.
McMillan spoke the truth, they are spoiled arrogant brats.
I complete agree with her. Good thing I don’t have to back pedal. They are arrogant and there is some degree of exploitation going on.
Is Willow really as arrogant as Jaden? To me it just seems like she tries to act as “grown” as other famous singers in her little genre, like Rihanna or Katy Perry, talking about “Whip my hair is about empowering yourself.” -_-
But I DO see smug all over Jaden’s face. I’ll admit I can’t recall any interviews with him to give my full-fledged opinion. But if they ARE as bad as McMillan is saying, at least Willow has the sense to look a LITTLE sweeter. Just a little.
I think the kids want to do it but they are soooo young! They will be well protected though..plus Jada seem to be kinda living though Willow a lil bit. Just a bit..
well, i don’t agree with the words ‘pimp’ and ‘exploit’ but … Fame, as a whole, is a real animal.
and i mean, this overexposure will definitely have some effect (negative or positive) on their overall development. they’ll be exposed to all kinds of ‘realities of life’ sooner than later.
Look how introverted and strange Leo DiCaprio is now? he’s been like famous since he was a kid. then Titanic happened… etc. i think they (Jaden and Willow) are more likely to pick up weird habits quicker if their childhood innocence is not maintained for a little while more, jmo. though, i can’t be sure if the parents are actually doing their part to keep them grounded and appreciative. that could be the key.
Jaden and Willow cannot take that blame and I agree they should be educated (whether in school or home. They would never be able to re-kindle their childhood if this is the path their parents have placed them on.
There are many examples out there of fallen child stars that go through to much to soon, it mentally cripples them. McMillan has made relevant points, but the kids are only brats if their parents allow them to be.
the woman told the truth..
Smith family is creepy. Yaiiks.. indeed not only exploited but they are also Trying Hard.
Agree with Leticia. There’s a cult aroma emanating from Casa Smith.
Wasn’t there some Scientology talk a while back?
They need all to go away and live a life of normal tweens (if there is a thing like that). I can’t imagine how much that ugly leather mustard colored thing cost of Willow.
And what happened to Jayden and her pretty face?????
Damn, I know kids like to be trendy sometimes, but those clothes are FUG!
They look ridiculous.
Lay off the Smith kids. If and when they do something stupid then I will call them and their parents on it but to assume these things about kids who have never said or done a bad thing is just wrong. they are hard working and giving. These kids are not arrogant, they are confident because they parents taught them to be and to believe in their abilities.
Go after all the white kid actors out there because all I see is jealousy, envy and hate. What about that fat kid who get to hang around Charley Sheen? What is he picking up from that? No kid should be around that trainwreck.
Maria, if all you see is “jealousy, envy and hate” you really need glasses because you’ve got a problem seeing straight.
There’s nothing close to racism in the comments, except yours.
Racism Maria?
Really?
they are both too young, their parents have cash, why push the kids into the spotlight?
even if they are talented, its no favor to them. but the smith parents dont want to see it…
@Maria Sorry, but I have to push back on your “jealousy, envy, and hate” comment. I don’t see racism here. This is largely a luvvy huggy web site, but the truth is the truth. And you are right about that kid on Charlie Sheen’s show–his parents might want to think twice…
Most celebrity kids are spoiled brats. That isn’t news. But what is more telling is how people like Terry deem themselves so important so as to use Twitter to voice their opinions like it matters.
Big deal!
This whole family carries a smug attitude; Just like the Tom/Katie/Suri group does. I’m guessing scientology requires it. Can’t stand Jada Pinkett.
What is the big deal? Everyone is acting like these are the first children to ever act or sing. Kids want to grow up and be like their parent’s all the time. I think it is good that they have parent’s who know how fame works. Besides, you have never heard any stories about Will Smith beating on his wife or Jada getting pulled over for a DUI? They know what they are doing. Everyone needs to leave them alone.
There’s something about Jada which I find very creepy. Like there’s a super control freak right below the surface. Her acting talents were always minimal…nothing special. Will looks like a pretty affable guy and she got her hooks into him and created a dynasty. From outward appearances, the kids seem pretty obnoxious…Hopefully, they’ll be overexposed and fade away by the time they hit their teens. Oh, and has anybody else noticed how she almost always looks totally awkward in ridiculous outfits at red carpet events? They could all use a stylist.
The story wont just”die”. Because we are being subjected to the pimping. And we have strong opinions on pimping. Especially when said pimping is creating what the little girl is putting out at 10 years old. “BOYs have to be trained”.
And their demeanor is beyond entitled. It is appalling.No innocence left in these children. It is a crime
That woman said what so many of us say every time there is a story on one of these kids. They do seem arrogant. And how are they going to feel when they are old enough to realize that they’d be no where if mom and dad didn’t buy and produce roles for them to be actors an singers? Unless they truly cultivate talent as they grow older, that nepotism will be a huge burden to them.
People come to this site daily and dish about which celeb is pimping out their kids. Why should McMillan be held to a different standard? BTW, she is absolutely right about both the arrogance and the pimping. The truth hurts, I guess.
Sorry, but the exploited ones here are people like me, who are forced to see or hear their kids when they are not even that talented to get all this attention. Gosh, I really have problems with nepotism.
It’s damaging to kids to be held up in the public (with all the snarking and expectations) when they haven’t even developed their sense of self yet. Tho- I think most of Hollywood lacks a sense of “self” so no biggie??
Terry was right in her first post she never should have backed down. The Smiths are doing a disservice to their kids. And in this case we absolutely have the right to criticize them because we in the public are expected to laud them and their image. Let these kids finish school according to Willow herself she isn’t getting much of an education.
That Jaden kid has been a punk since he was a toddler. I recall him on the red carpet at one of those MTV events and he had a bad attitude even then.
The parents have raised them to believe that this is their destiny (Will Smith has spoken of starting a show business dynasty, please no!) and they act as such. I hope they’re has beens before they reach eighteen.
I don’t think “pimped and exploited” were the best words to use, but I agree with the general sentiment. It feels like the kids are being forced on the public and marketed to the masses.
I don’t know why, but the music career bothers me more than the acting. Maybe because tv/movies need kids, but the music industry doesn’t need a 10 year old pop star?
I agree with most commenters that these kids look ridiculously smug. I think it’s the perma-smirk. Never a smile, just a smirk. I hate than on anyone (any age, any color)
Why is Willow dressing like a hooker…come the hell on. She’s only 10 years old and she wants to act like a mini Rihanna. The problem is all these stars she sees as ‘her idols’ are in there early 20’s.
Its not right.
Jaden is the most smug faced kid i’ve ever seen, the entire family has an air of smugness surrounding them.. i use to think Will Smith was better than this, but i guess not.
How many children does McMillan have, that makes her an expert in telling other people how to raise theirs?
To be honest, they are just acting the way money and celebrity has allowed them to act from parent to child. So let them live in their mini-utopia, it hasn’t affected me one iota lol…I actually think Willow has some talent and Jaden can act (better than his mom!) The Smiths themselves are probably into some underground sharing sex scene or something that probably is what gives off that “creepy” aura and its well known that Jada is a “rock star” so maybe her edginess comes off as a masculine biker too much on some days, who knows *shrug*
LOL!!!! I’ve seen people pull out the Racism card before when it’s not quite applicable, but how desperate can you get? Where in the hell on this page were there any racist remarks?
I think McMillan is absolutely right, and while I don’t believe Will and Jada Smith’s intent is to try to pimp their children out or make assets of them, it just seems to be inevitably what happens when people get sucked into Hollywood and forget how to live like regular civilians.
I also get the creepy vibe. Back in the day, Will Smith used to be very appealing.
I agree with her comments 100%.
And even though this is completely off topic – I can also name a multitude of white celebrities that I feel are exploiting/pimping out their kids.
I feel sorry for the kids and anrgy at the parents.
There is simply no racism in that opinion whatsoever.
I believe the Smith kids are being exploited. Saying “its not their fault” is not countering their exploitation. Exploitation is never the victim’s fault. It’s still gross to have these children thrust upon us, promoted and sold by their parents.
I completely agree with McMillan.
I don’t want what the Smith family is selling.
The exploitation is what gives many of us that “icky” feeling when we read or hear Willow and Jaden’s interviews where they talk about not going to school and just wanting to be famous.
Who would pay good money to see these hideous, obnoxious, untalented monsters perform?
(Maria, you may now play your race card.)
Those kids are only famous because their parents are famous. Period.
I wonder if Will said: “Kids, what would you guys like for your birthdays this year?” and they both said “Fame”. and that, as they say, was that. Hollywoodland.
Pimped and exploited? I say yes.
Anyone remember what happened the the Jackson kids? Anyone? They turned out well after being in show business at such a young age and a slave driver of a dad. I miss Michael.
I cannot stand the Smith’s kids…….they are not likable at all. Why doesn’t anyone tell the parents to get real with them……….IS EVERYONE AFRAID TO OFFEND WILL AND HIS WIFE……….WELL, I’M NOT AFRAID TO VOICE MY VIEWS/ …ARE YOU KIDDING??? WHAT’S WRONG WITH MY COMMENTS. WHY DO YOU WANT ME TO EDIT THEM BEFORE POSTING THEM. ?
……
Well, she’s right. They’re just 2 more on that destructive path, with 2 more parent-handlers behind them who should really know better. Best of luck to those poor kids, who will seemingly “have it all” and then self-destruct behind closed doors, just like all the others who are given a career instead of a childhood.
please make these people disappear!
The Smiths should be called out. If they were any other kids they would not have movies and songs released, their folks and their influential friends are the only reason the kids have careers.
O’yeah, Scientology too except where’s Bella and her brothers’ careers? We all know about Suri, thanks to the same folks.
I can kind of understand the whole “race issue” when it comes to how harshly these kids are viewed.
The thing with racism in modern times is it is often not overt, and can be in people’s subconscious minds. Yes, there were no racist comments in the story or on the thread, but I honestly don’t think this family would get the same amount of criticism they would if they were white.
Before someone wants to go and say, “But I hate all celebrities, I snark on everyone equally” etc., think about the reasons you’re bothered so much by one celeb v. another. And there are good reasons to dislike many celebrities- white, black , or anything else.
I’m not saying that if you dislike the Smiths it MUST be because you’re racist, I just think there is some validity to the idea that they are judged more harshly due to the fact they’re not white.
I think the main difference between the Lohans and Jacksons of the world is that the parents of these kids were using them as a way to get rich. Those children were responsible for allll the bills before they were even teenagers.
With Jaden and Willow, they are doing what they think they want to do and their parents are encouraging because they have the resources and connections to make it happen. They are not being forced to do anything and the mortgage does not rely on their young shoulders.
I’m glad she called them out. Maybe if more people did it, these so called parents would come down to earth. Or at least the public might. I think they’re crappy parents and have destroyed any chance for their kids to be decent (and educated) human beings. I mean, just look at their demeanor. It’s what we as kids called “stuck up”.
I totally disagree Blaze. I think most people would call a family out like this, no matter the race. It is totally irrelevant. The fact that you think at least a substantial amount of people base judgments on such universally repulsive topics such as child exploitation with subconscious racism only reveals your own “subconscious” racism.
I have to agree..Is Will Smiths career so off now that he has to use his kids for money? Look at Lindsey Lohan, Brittany Spears…etc.. child performers for the most part just don’t fare well in adulthood.
How exactly are the Smiths pimping their children? If working as an actor as a child is now considered pimping then why didn’t people have a problem with Dakota Fanning, her sister, Abigail Breslin, and a host of others? Why is the vitriol and contempt reserved solely for these children? We very rarely see these kids and although they are precocious they get labeled “smug” or “arrogant”. And the last time I checked the Smiths are some of the wealthiest people in Hollywood and don’t rely at all on their children’s earnings. Finally, no one seems to have a problem with nepotism when it’s Paltrow, Hudson, Stiller, and on and on, so why the disdain for the Smiths? It’s funny because by all indications they are a nice family who never say one harsh word about anyone yet people line up to take shots about their perceptions of who they are rather than anything they’ve actually done to deserve it.
The Smith kids seem to be having a similar childhood to the Jackson Five kids. I hope they don’t end up like Michael Jackson, Corey Haim or Todd Bridges.
The Smith kids are no different from other kids only have parents that are rich and famous. Some of you act as if your kids aren’t arrogant and conceited. Don’t you push your kids if they have a talent be it sports,musical or academics. Kids these days mature early just think of the shocking things reported they are doing in middle school nowadays. I bet if McMillan son showed talent as a writer she would push him in the same manner.Why would they exploit their kids they both have fame and fortune.
Howard Stern and Robin goofed on Will and Jada so hard from an Oprah appearance.
It’s the funniest youtube I’ve heard in my life. Wil Smith talks about how he doesn’t want to be an icon, he wants to be an … idea! He is in a universe where 2 plus 2 only equals what you say it equals. LOL, it gets ever more culty and weird from there.
Stella may not have gaydar but she is right about the Smiths and this new creepy kid show they’re running.
I think she’s right. Go Terry McMillan!
I am baffled and disgusted by some of the responses here. I look at these young children…and see nothing but hope, potential, and talent. How can any person make such comments and judgments about these children’s personality or behavior without even meeting or spending time with them!! Just by simply looking at them in print, on TV, and other media sources, you all are able to ascertain that they are arrogant, creepy, etc.? How is that possible?
As entertainers, perhaps the images you are seeing are nothing more than the images or “looks” they want to sell? Whatever may be the case, it doesn’t change the fact that these are young children.
Children who were born and raised in the entertainment world! Why is it wrong for them to want to WORK in the “world” they were born into? I and my siblings have worked in our family business since 9 years of age if not younger. It is human nature for parents to teach the skills they know to their children; and for the children to want to follow in the foot step of their parents.
Stop the madness! These children are not the ones who are ignorant or arrogant here. It’s the adults here – the ones calling them names and passing unfair judgments that are ignorant and foolish!
Baffled – I assume that you were personally meeting and spending time with them 🙂 Since you know so much about them. I guess you met them, spend some time and saw that they are not arrogant at all.
Just look at those faces. Arrogance just screams from Willow and Jaden. And it’s not because of suddenly fame. Do you watch MTV’s Cribs? Where they show celebrities homes. When even those rappers who are famous for 1-2 year or some are not famous – they all live in a castles. Huge rich homes.
Can you imagine how Smith kids grew up? Those kids have everything from their birth. Nannies, servants, private pools, mini-cars to play etc… Simply everything. Those children were spoiled their whole life. They don‘t even know true life. Where would they see it? From the window of their Bentley?
I imagine how funny was it for Jayden to play homeless poor kid in Pursuit of Happiness. He was probably asking: “Daddy but why our characters have to live and sleep on the floor? Why can’t they go and sleep in hotel? And where are their servants? Why they are not helping them” 🙂
It’s the Will and Jada’s problem that they raised spoiled children.
No one hated Dakota Fanning when she was kid actor. No one hated Haley Joel Osment back in the Sixth Sense days. Why? Because they were down to earth, nice kids. There is a reason why many-many people dislike Willow and Jaden. No one can call them down to earth nice kids. Only the word Arrogance and Richy Rich comes to every mind.
Shy – I assume that you were personally meeting and spending time with them 😀 Since you know so much about them. I guess you met them, spend some time and saw that they really are arrogant.
Willow and Jaden Smith are not the first, nor the last to have their own superstar parents give them a huge leg up on the competition. You just seem to be projecting and I really don’t know why. And as far as “no one” hating Dakota Fanning, she was known to be a huuge pain on the Secret Life of Bees set, to where the director called her out publicly. So please. Save your “imagine how’s.”
@ Masala #48. Your observation is all very well and thought out, and I agree, in this case, the Smith children are not the main moneymakers in the family.
BUT… even if their wish is to be little entertainers, should their parents give in to every little whim? With them probably knowing how cutthroat and dangerous the entertainment industry can be? I would think twice about it, and let them mature a bit before thrusting them into such a public arena.
But that’s just my two cents, and I have to concede that the whole issue of child “stars” is icky to me… wholesome or not. This whole adulation thing cannot be good, and few deal with it well.
Shes right and shouldnt have apologized for her verbage. She didnt call them pimps but said they are pimped out. Ok I see how with kids that could be bad BUT we all know what she means so dont pretend Oh my gosh she said they were being sold for sex. We know she meant pimped out as in exploited.
These kids do have attitude in interviews etc. I dont know them personally but it pretty obvious on tv they have attitude. Maybe its part of their shtick but no one likes a kid with an attitude.
I agree with you Masala. Sorry..but for me going in on children is the lowest..I know some of you are parents how would you feel if someone went in on your child like that? Give them a chance before you trash them just because they are the kid’s of a Hollywood power couple. They are just children and from what I’ve seen they are talented. Who knows? They might decide in a few years they want to go to med school or direct, or whatever.
Baffled – Hope & Talent?? Really?? From the bad voice that sang the bad song” I whip my hair back and forth” you see talent & potential? No one in Hollywood would see that UNLESS the childs parents were famous – ahem.
Maria i dont think the Fat kid, as you so elegantly called a young kid (very inappropriate and heinous for an adult to call any child) is hanging out with Charlie after hours. Im sure he shoots the show and goes home. He is known as one of the nicest, most down to earth non Hollywood kids in Hollywood. He has a good mother who will not let him get into the Hollywood scene and makes him do chores etc.
He makes more money than Jade & Willow put together and is nicer than the 2 of them put together.
This isnt about race or co stars- its about 2 young kids with bad attitudes.
If you dont want people going after or commenting on your child then dont put them in the limelight-period. These children CHOSE to put themselves out there and all that will be said about them good and bad.
These are children who CHOSE a more adult career & have parents in the business who certainly knew people would comment on them good and bad and hopefully prepared their kids for this.
If you have an issue with it – take it up with their parents since they obviously dont have any issues with it.
Its not Willow or Jades fault. They are to young, even with celeb parents, to know how damaging the comments could be. Their parents should have thought about this before allowing their kids to be in the limelight.
Good for her for standing up to little Jada, it’s about time someone did. I do think that Jaden did a great job in The Pursuit of Happyness, for a kid his age and he was adorable. I don’t believe he wasn’t a “shoe-in” as they claim.
I agree with her
To the posters bashing the Smith kids I bet if you had a kid and they had the opportunity to display their talents on a national level you would jump at it. Some people are so hypocritical. They are not doing it for the money as some kids parents are. Most talented kids started at an early age,It appears more like jealousy and envy on the part of many. If thats how they wish to rear their children whats it to you. Criticism comes with the territory but will not stop them from their endeavor.
Will and Jada belong to Scientology like Tom Cruise and John Travolta. That’s a church i want to join because whatever happens there is producing a lot of successful people.
I agree with her 100%. Dakota and Abigail Breslin and loads of other stars don’t seem so arrogant and overly confident. I’m all for kids having confidence but when I saw them on Oprah, Willow and Jaden just gave me the impression of superiority and arrogance. And it was irritating.
It must be a recent thing with them cause on the Oprah show, Will’s oldest kid seemed so shy and quiet and as though he is ignored in that family.
And on the note of that Oprah show, the crap and philosophy about life Will and Jada were spewing was horrible in my opinion. To me it sounded like a lot of brainwashing Scientology nonsense.
Hey Betty,
This is not an opportunity. Its a purchase. Will Smith has purchased a Broadway show for his daughter. Yuk. Yes I would love more “opportunity” for my son. But some things should have to be earned, at least a little.
I assume that you were personally meeting and spending time with them Since you know so much about them. I guess you met them, spend some time.
NO, but I heard Willow read and and she can hardly read. She has said that she doesn’t attend school and that there is little time for home schooling.
What happens to them as adults with little or no education? Many child actors don’t continue to be successful adult actors or performers. And even those who are, have a very difficult time adjusting. Most have issues with drugs, anorexia, money… We all can name the very long list of child actors who died too early or who are living wasted lives as adults.
@Masala: i agree. And nobody is speaking about their talent? Am i the only one to see it? Jaden was so cute in Karate kid…. I don t think they would be so talented if they would feel any kind of pressure from their parents. They really seem to love what they doing so let it be… And they also seem to be well driven by loving caring parents from whom i am sure they get plenty of advice and protection.
Last but not least, their “passion” for entertainment is in no way incompatible with good grades and degrees.