LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Rumors that were once dismissed have returned, suggesting that Will Smith, 55, was involved in an intimate encounter with his 'Fresh Prince' co-actor Duane Martin.
The Internet has rallied in support of the 'Men In Black' star, condemning the allegations as a deliberate effort to tarnish his reputation.
What is the controversy surrounding Will Smith and Duane Martin?
The shocking accusations came to light in a viral interview with Brother Bilaal, who identified himself as Smith's ex-personal assistant. Bilaal claimed to have witnessed an intimate encounter between Smith and Martin in the latter's dressing room, describing the Oscar-winning actor's manhood as the size of a "pinky toe."
"I opened the door to Duane’s dressing room and that’s when I see Duane having anal sex with Will," Bilaal said. "There was a couch and Will was bent over on the couch and Duane was standing up killing him, murdering him - it was murder in there." He claimed the scenario was like "a deer in the headlights" and that he said "oh s***" when he encountered the pair.
Will Smith slams claims as 'unequivocally false'
However, Smith vehemently denied the allegations, labeling them as "unequivocally false." A spokesperson for the 'King Richard' star issued a statement to TMZ, dismissing the story as "completely fabricated," adding that Smith is "considering taking legal action."
Martin, the co-actor implicated in the alleged incident, was married to 'Martin' actress Tisha Campbell from 1996 to 2020. The Brooklyn-born actor is best known for his stints in the series 'LA's Finest' and 'All of Us'. Martin has worked with Smith on a number of projects, including two episodes of his former series 'The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air' in 1993 and 1995, and three episodes of the 2022 reboot 'Bel-Air'.
Netizens bash bizarre allegations against Will Smith
Despite the controversy, a wave of online support has emerged for Smith. A user commented on Facebook, "It’s crazy how people will be comfortable speaking about people’s life!!!" Another added, "Love that .. who need enemies when they have friends like you." A third claimed, "And so? Why can't people mind their business, always trying to bring someone down."
"This anti will smith campaign is crazy… they beating his back in," asserted a user on X. "Black people do this specifically towards Black men as a form of criminalization. It plays to anti-LGBT bigotry in our communities. it's meant to strip us of our existence. Also, why would u say this without consent if it's true? I don't believe it but still. luv to Will Smith," wrote another.
"You did great by coming out to tell us what we didn’t ask or what doesn’t affect you in anyway, congratulations on your accomplishment," a social media user wrote.
"None of business....Still will watch his movies...," a user stated. Another chimed in, "These people would spew rubbish like it's nothing!"
"I wonder what Will Smith ever did to y'all. People are so invested in talking about someone's life like it's business," read a comment.