Will Smith Sparks Controversy After ‘Steamy’ Onstage Moment with India Martínez—Did He Go Too Far?

At the 37th Premio Lo Nuestro Awards on February 20, 2025, in Miami’s Kaseya Center, Will Smith delivered a performance that has since sparked controversy. The 56-year-old actor and musician took the stage alongside Spanish singer India Martínez, 39, to perform their duet, “First Love”—but it wasn’t just the music that caught the audience’s attention.

During their performance, the pair engaged in steamy interactions, including intimate embraces, prolonged eye contact, and what appeared to be a kiss onstage. To add fuel to the fire, Smith was also seen placing his hand on Martínez’s lower back, a gesture some fans found particularly inappropriate given his high-profile marriage to Jada Pinkett Smith.

The seemingly flirtatious moment has triggered a storm of reactions on social media, with many questioning whether it crossed a line.

The Performance That Started It All

Smith’s performance at Premio Lo Nuestro was intended to mark his official return to music after more than two decades. “First Love”, a track from his upcoming album “Based on a True Story”, is a sultry, romantic ballad that explores the depths of passion and nostalgia for a first love.

India Martínez, known for her soulful flamenco-pop fusion, complemented Smith’s stage presence with her own sensual charisma, creating a moment that captivated the audience. However, as their chemistry became more apparent, whispers of discomfort grew among viewers.

At one point in the performance, Smith and Martínez leaned in close, their lips seemingly touching, sending the crowd into a frenzy. Adding to the intensity, Smith was seen resting his hand on Martínez’s lower back, an act that some interpreted as a clear sign of physical intimacy.

While some fans cheered on the duo’s connection, others took to social media to express their disapproval, labeling the act “inappropriate,” “disrespectful,” and “crossing boundaries”.

Social Media Erupts: Fans React to the Intimate Moment

As clips of the performance circulated online, fans and critics flooded social media platforms with mixed reactions.

• “That was way too intimate for a married man. Jada deserves better,” one user wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
• “Why did they just kiss onstage? Was that part of the act or something else?” another questioned.
• “Maybe this is payback for Jada’s ‘entanglements’” a sarcastic comment read, referring to past revelations about Jada’s relationship with singer August Alsina.
• “The chemistry is undeniable, but it’s giving ‘affair’ energy,” someone else speculated.

While some defended Smith’s actions, arguing that the performance was merely a scripted artistic expression, others felt that his behavior was disrespectful to Jada.

Will & Jada’s Complicated Relationship: A History of Open Discussion

The backlash surrounding this performance has reignited discussions about Will and Jada’s unconventional marriage.

In recent years, the couple has been open about the complexities of their relationship, including Jada’s highly publicized past romance with August Alsina. In a 2020 episode of Red Table Talk, Jada described her involvement with Alsina as an “entanglement”, sparking worldwide conversation.

Additionally, in Jada’s 2023 memoir, Worthy, she revealed that she and Will had been secretly separated since 2016 but remained committed to redefining their relationship on their own terms.

Despite their unconventional dynamic, Jada and Will have repeatedly stated that they are “life partners” who continue to work on their bond.

However, this latest performance has led many to speculate: Is Will still committed to Jada, or is this a sign of something more?

India Martínez & Will Smith: More Than Just a Stage Act?

Another question making the rounds online is whether Smith and Martínez share a deeper connection offstage.

Martínez, a highly respected singer in Spain, has collaborated with numerous international artists and is known for her passionate stage presence. While she has not publicly addressed the controversy, some fans believe that her chemistry with Smith may not have been entirely for show.

Will Smith and India Martínez

Neither Smith nor Martínez have commented on the speculation, leaving fans to wonder about the true nature of their relationship.

Will Smith’s Musical Comeback: What’s Next?

Despite the controversy, Smith is pushing forward with his long-awaited return to music.

His upcoming album, “Based on a True Story”, is set for release in March 2025, marking his first major music project since the early 2000s. The album is expected to feature a mix of hip-hop, R&B, and Latin influences, reflecting his global appeal.

At the Premio Lo Nuestro awards, Smith shared the stage with some of Latin music’s biggest names, including Shakira, Marc Anthony, Becky G, and Carín León. The event, hosted by Alejandra Espinoza, Laura Pausini, and Thalía, was broadcast live on Univision and celebrated the best in Latin music.

With or without the controversy, Smith’s performance has undeniably cemented his presence back in the music industry.

Final Thoughts: A Public Figure Under the Microscope

Will Smith has been no stranger to public scrutiny, from his Oscar slap controversy in 2022 to his very public relationship struggles with Jada.

This latest backlash serves as another reminder that celebrities—especially those as high-profile as Smith—are constantly under the public microscope.

Whether this performance was simply an artistic choice or a glimpse into something more personal, it has certainly fueled intense speculation and debate.

For now, fans and critics alike will be watching closely to see if Smith, Jada, or Martínez will break their silence on what really happened that night in Miami.