On July 8, 2024, Jaden Smith will turn 26. He will undoubtedly celebrate with his cherished family, which includes sister Willow, mother Jada Pinkett-Smith, and father Will Smith. However, 10 years ago, the actor and singer petitioned to be granted emancipation at the age of fifteen because he felt “betrayed” by his well-known father.

Will and Jaden starred together in 2013’s box office dud After Earth, and writing in his self-titled memoir, released in 2022, Will revealed how Jaden felt “betrayed” by his father’s advice because it was Will who had “coached” his son only for the teen to be hit with “vicious” critiques and reviews.

Jaden felt ‘betrayed’ by his father

“After Earth was an abysmal box office and critical failure, and what was worse was that Jaden took the hit. Fans and the press were absolutely vicious; they said and printed things about Jaden that I refuse to repeat. Jaden had faithfully done everything that I’d instructed him to do, and I had coached him,” Will wrote.

“We never discussed it, but I know he felt betrayed. He felt misled, and he lost his trust in my leadership. At fifteen years old, when Jaden asked about being an emancipated minor, my heart shattered. He ultimately decided against it, but it sucks to feel like you’ve hurt your kids.”

Jaden requested emancipation.

During his first marriage to Sheree Zampino, Will welcomed his son Trey, 31, and daughter Willow, 22, into the world.

Will had told followers for years that Jaden had wanted to seek for emancipation, but he never disclosed the personal details until his autobiography. After ten years, though, the two are closer than ever. Jaden supported his father bravely during Will’s now-famous actions at the 2022 Oscars, where he smacked presenter Chris Rock.

Shortly after the occurrence, the young actor sent a brief and straightforward statement on Twitter that said, “And that’s how we do it.”

At the 94th Academy Awards, Will Smith (R) gives US actor Chris Rock a smack on stage.

Jaden and his sister Willow get along well, and in June, they went to the Louis Vuitton Menswear Spring/Summer 2024 presentation together. This was Pharrell Williams’ first show as the brand’s new men’s creative director. The two were all decked out in LV, with Jaden sporting a blue jacket with an LV emblem and trousers.

When Willow made her major stage debut at the Coachella Music Festival in April 2023, Jaden made an unexpected entrance on stage, marking their last noteworthy appearance together.

Jaden Smith and Willow Smith attend the Spring/Summer 2024 Louis Vuitton Menswear presentation.

Willow’s father Will, who was overjoyed and captured his emotional response to her Coachella performance on camera, also contributed to the success of her set. He shared the clip with followers on social media.

When Willow asked Jaden to join her on stage to sing their joint song, “Summertime in Paris,” Jaden addressed his sister in front of the audience, stating, “It brings tears to my eyes as your brother to see you do this.” Jaden captioned the video, saying, “I can’t stop crying.” I adore you a great deal.