Will Smith Faces Backlash for ‘Inappropriate’ On-Stage Kiss with India Martinez

Will Smith has faced criticism for kissing singer India Martinez onstage at their 2025 Premio Lo Nuestro Awards performance.

 At the yearly event honouring Latin music, the actor and rapper performed their joint song, ‘First Love’, alongside the Spanish flamenco-pop performer.  Martinez pulled away and kept singing even though Smith seemed to lean in for a kiss during the song.  She appeared to plant a kiss of her own later in the act.

Although it appeared to be part of the choreography, several viewers criticised Smith’s attempt at a kiss, which immediately caused controversy.  Reactions on social media ranged from deeming the incident improper to making predictions about Smith’s wife, Jada Pinkett-Smith, and her possible reaction.  Some made light of the notorious Oscars incident in which Smith slapped Chris Rock, joking that she may step in.

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Although they are still legally married, Jada disclosed in 2023 that she and Will had been quietly split since 2016.  Rumours of adultery and an open marriage have caused their relationship to make headlines several times over the years.

 Noting that there was no actual kiss in either case, several awards ceremony viewers argued that the kiss attempt was more of a premeditated stunt than an impromptu amorous approach.

 One of Smith’s more well-known appearances since the contentious Oscars incident in 2022, when he smacked Rock on stage following a joke about Jada, is this one.  Smith was prohibited from attending the ceremony for ten years after the altercation and resigned from the Academy.

Smith will release his first album since ‘Lost and Found’ in 2005, ‘Based On A True Story’, which includes the song ‘First Love.’  Collaborations with Big Sean, Russ, Joyner Lucas, and Jaden Smith will also be included in the project.

–Farheen Ali