Anything outside of the cut-and-dry monogamous relationship or the traditional polygamy (a man and several wives), ruffles the feathers of Nigerians; rousing much opposition. Little wonder, it was a tough pill to swallow when the news became public that popular actor, Will Smith and his wife, Jada Smith, might have practised an open relationship. The recent Red Table Talk with the couple where they both discussed the circumstances that led to the situation, and the lessons learnt had Nigerians even more befuddled.

The series of events started when R&B singer, August Alsina shared that he had been in a relationship with Jada Smith; positing that Will Smith had given his blessings. He went on to say he gave himself wholeheartedly to her for years and would die happy knowing he loved her thoroughly. 

Jada had responded by offering herself up for a Red Table Talk to dissect the event which was broadcasted on the social media site, Facebook. She explained the affair with the rapper, August Alsina took place during a period of separation and termed it an “entanglement”. She also clarified that “the only person who can give permission in that particular circumstance is myself”.

The couple asserted that at the time, four years ago, their marriage was heading for the rocks, with both of them thinking they would never speak again. However, they posit that they have long since reconciled; ending the interview with a fist-bump and a quote of the catchphrase from Smith’s Bad Boys movie: “We ride together, we die together. Bad marriage for life”.

The displayed happiness and contentment of the couple did not stop Nigerians from turning up their noses at the incidence; accusing the pair of romanticising bad relationships, going further to say that they were not good role models.

 

Jada Pinkett-Smith and Will Smith makes it look like it's okay to cheat in marriage as long as it is for your SELF HEALING and SELF DISCOVERY.

Bad Marriage For Life?

This is what marriage has turned into? pic.twitter.com/oQYQVgHT8h

— Akinpelumi Akinboye (@theakinakinboye) July 11, 2020

I cannot understand how these guys are just gon romanticize a “bad marriage” .. like what lesson are they trying to teach their kids? The millions of people that look up to them? .. they need to fuck outta ere with all that BS

— Tolu ? (@Toluwanimi___) July 10, 2020

Will Smith and Jada's marriage is a fucked up shit.They even joke and laugh about cheating on each other.That shit can miss me and what are they teaching their children..

Sick… pic.twitter.com/eLvvBVvKzM

— Sundowns _Fanatic ? ? ? (@Fantastic_SoLo) July 11, 2020

 

 

 

Others also called into question the “masculinity” of Will for allowing his wife to sleep with another man “under his roof.” 

 

Will Smith and Jada stayed under the same roof why August was smashing jada. She called it #Entangled

Your courage is 100% Will Smith

Can a typical African man allow another man bang his wife or Ex under his roof? pic.twitter.com/GJZHDBA2vx

— SAMSON ADEYEMI ⚪ (@minesam_) July 11, 2020

 

Some also insinuated that there was a palpable double standard and that if the roles were reversed, people would not be acceptable of the man cheating.

 

Just imagine if it was Will Smith that was cheating ….

— Engineer Tolu Tezzy_ ? (@tolutezzy_) July 11, 2020

Jada called cheating an "entanglement" and "a journey to heal". Her lover August says they were deeply in love.

Jada got Will looking like he is on the set of Pursuit of happiness.

If it was Will Smith cheating with a younger woman = #menaretrash pic.twitter.com/vmVSYKKBPK

— #MyView #MyThoughts…?? (@Patlups) July 11, 2020

 

 

Many also sneered at Jada’s comment that she permitted herself to have an affair; highlighting Nigerians’ inability to comprehend a woman’s autonomy in making decisions without the input of her partner.  

Will Smith needs a sainthood for his patience cause I tossed my laptop

How his wife there cross legged at the table supple as shit talking about let's just get it straight WILL didn't give ME permission to do anything

Did Will Kill Tupac?????

What is she punishing him for??

— Follow the @TheP0cket – soon launch. (@MansaCam) July 10, 2020

Will Smith needs a divorce, Jesus, she still basically said she didn't even need his permission lmao, I deadass thought she was going to say "he didn't ask for your permission and that a lie". Look at my man Will, look at big Willie!!!! pic.twitter.com/UAVD40LOJB

— Barney! (@fuckusernamejor) July 10, 2020

 

The certainty that the sun will rise in the morning is the same confidence in which to expect outrage from Nigerians at anything that does not fit the norm, the concept of an open relationship is no exception.