In a recent episode of Vice’s “Black Comedy in America,” actor Will Smith opened up about his long-standing feud with Janet Hubert, who played Aunt Vivian Banks on the iconic sitcom “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.” This candid discussion marks a significant moment in their relationship, which has been fraught with tension for nearly three decades.
The origins of the feud
Smith, now 56, acknowledged his past mistakes regarding Hubert, 68, stating, “I made a horrible error and misjudged her value, power and beauty in the show.” This reflection comes after years of public hostility that began when Hubert left the show after its third season due to a contract dispute. Her departure shocked fans and led to a rift that would only deepen over the years.
Hubert’s exit from the show in 1993 was not just a career setback; it also sparked a series of events that included a failed lawsuit against Smith and NBC. The animosity between the two escalated, with Hubert publicly criticizing Smith and claiming he had blackballed her in Hollywood.
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Public hostility and misunderstandings
The feud was characterized by a series of back-and-forth jabs in interviews and social media. Hubert accused Smith of making colorist remarks on set, which added another layer of complexity to their conflict. In a 2010 interview she highlighted the disrespect she felt as a dark-skinned actress in a predominantly light-skinned industry.
Smith, on the other hand, expressed his frustration with Hubert’s behavior during their time on the show. In 1993, he claimed that Hubert wanted the show to revolve around her character and referred to him as a “snotty-nosed punk.” These comments only fueled the fire of their feud, making reconciliation seem impossible.
A turning point in their relationship
Despite their tumultuous history, Smith and Hubert found a way to reconcile during the filming of the “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” reunion special in 2020. This emotional reunion allowed them to address their past grievances and ultimately led to a newfound respect for one another. Hubert expressed her feelings to People, saying, “I meant it with all my heart when I hugged him, because I saw that little boy, that little 21-year-old boy. Had we had an opportunity to talk back then, I think this would have never happened.”
Social media reactions
Following Smith’s recent comments about Hubert, reactions poured in on social media. Many fans expressed their happiness over the reconciliation, with actress Raven Goodwin praising Hubert as a mentor and a talented individual. However, some critics pointed out the impact Smith’s actions had on Hubert’s career, suggesting he should take steps to rectify the situation by casting her in future projects.
A lesson in growth and forgiveness
The journey of Smith and Hubert serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of communication and understanding in relationships, especially in the high-pressure environment of Hollywood. Their story illustrates how misunderstandings can lead to long-lasting feuds, but also how reconciliation is possible with time, reflection and genuine effort.
As Smith continues to reflect on his past, he emphasizes the lessons learned from his experiences with Hubert. Their reconciliation not only brings closure to their personal feud but also serves as an inspiring narrative for others navigating similar conflicts in their lives.
