Will Smith Finally Admits ‘Regret’ Firing Janet Hubert As ‘Aunt Viv’ On Fresh Prince |HO

Will Smith is once again reflecting on his past, this time with an admission of regret regarding the firing of Janet Hubert from The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air back in 1993. During his appearance in a recent episode of Black Comedy in America, a docuseries airing on Viacom, Smith publicly acknowledged the role that Hubert played in the success of the show and his own personal growth.

He admitted that he had made a “horrible error in misjudgment” when it came to understanding her value, both professionally and personally. This moment of reflection comes decades after the public fallout between the two, a fallout that, for years, caused a rift not only between Smith and Hubert but also with other members of the Fresh Prince cast.

The show’s transition from one Aunt Viv to another is still one of the most talked-about behind-the-scenes stories in television history. Hubert’s portrayal of the beloved Aunt Viv during the first three seasons of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air was iconic, yet her departure from the show remains a controversial moment in the sitcom’s legacy.

The reconciliation between Smith and Hubert in recent years, however, signals a positive turning point, one that has brought much-needed closure to their long-standing feud.

The Initial Fallout: Janet Hubert’s Departure from The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air

When The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air debuted in 1990, Janet Hubert’s portrayal of Aunt Viv was a standout part of the show. The character of Aunt Viv, the sophisticated, no-nonsense matriarch of the Banks family, resonated deeply with audiences, and Hubert’s performance was widely praised for its depth and warmth.

However, after three seasons, Hubert was replaced by Daphne Maxwell Reid in the same role. The reason for her departure was largely attributed to a highly publicized feud with Will Smith, the show’s star and producer.

At the time, Hubert felt that she was not being properly appreciated for her contributions to the show and that her role was being diminished. The tension between her and Smith grew as Smith, by then a rising star and powerful figure in Hollywood, took on a more significant role in the direction of the show.

Hubert later revealed in interviews that she felt sidelined by the production team, and the situation worsened after her pregnancy and ongoing struggles with her personal life. These issues were compounded by the rapid success of the show, which created an increasingly tense work environment.

In 1993, amid these tensions, Hubert left the series, and her role as Aunt Viv was recast with Reid. While Smith and other cast members, such as Alfonso Ribeiro (Carlton Banks), were not as vocal at the time about the situation, it was clear that there was a deep divide. For years, both Smith and Hubert avoided publicly addressing the conflict, but their strained relationship was undeniable.

Will Smith’s Recent Reflection: Acknowledging the Mistake

In the docuseries Black Comedy in America, Will Smith took the opportunity to reflect on his past mistakes, particularly regarding his treatment of Janet Hubert. Smith admitted that, at the time, he had severely underestimated Hubert’s contributions to the show and her value as an actress.

He went as far as to say, “I made a horrible error in misjudgment of her value and power and beauty to the show.” Smith’s comments were a rare moment of humility, acknowledging that he failed to see Hubert as a vital part of the show’s success, which he later came to understand was a grave mistake.

Smith’s regret is especially significant because it highlights the complexities of fame, power, and ego. At the time of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air’s success, Smith was a young and ambitious actor with a rising star power. He was under immense pressure to maintain the show’s momentum, and his growing prominence likely led him to make decisions that would affect the entire cast.

However, as time has passed and Smith has gained more experience, he now recognizes the negative impact of these decisions.

Public Reconciliation: A New Chapter for Will Smith and Janet Hubert

Fortunately, Will Smith and Janet Hubert have since reconciled. The two first came face-to-face during the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air reunion special, which aired in 2020 on HBO Max. The special was a celebration of the show’s 30th anniversary, bringing back the core cast members, including Smith, Ribeiro, Reid, and Hubert.

It was during this reunion that Smith and Hubert had an emotional moment, with Smith offering a heartfelt apology for the pain he had caused her.

During this reunion, Hubert, who had long felt hurt by Smith’s actions, explained how the public feud had affected her career. After leaving The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Hubert struggled to find work in Hollywood. She also faced personal challenges, including a divorce and raising a young child.

The career setbacks, combined with the emotional toll of the public feud, made it difficult for her to regain her footing in the industry. Despite this, Hubert never held grudges against Smith, although she admitted that the hurt ran deep for many years.

The reunion special allowed for a long-overdue discussion between the two, where Hubert shared her pain, and Smith offered a public apology for his role in the fallout. It was a poignant moment that allowed both parties to heal. Smith’s acknowledgment of his mistake was widely praised by fans and critics alike, who saw it as a demonstration of maturity and accountability.

Continued Friendship and Support

Since the reunion, Smith and Hubert’s relationship has continued to evolve positively. Smith has shown consistent support for Hubert’s endeavors, including her recent work as an author. In March 2024, Will Smith posted on Instagram expressing his admiration for Hubert’s new children’s book JG in the BC Kids, stating, “Wow, thank you to my dear friend Janet Hubert for inviting me to help you bring your Amazing Project JG in the BC Kids to the world.

It was a blast and a pleasure to be able to show 200 students from the Ember Girls Foundation a taste of your genius, Janet.” The fact that Smith showed up to support Hubert at the event, posting about it on his own social media, is a clear sign that their reconciliation is genuine and that their bond has only strengthened over time.

Hubert also spoke about their ongoing relationship in interviews, revealing that they maintain regular communication. In a 2021 interview with People Magazine, Hubert explained that she and Smith text each other often, sharing personal messages and support. “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,” Hubert reflected, hinting at the deep emotional healing that took place between them.

The Impact on the Public: Lessons of Accountability

Will Smith’s recent admission of regret has resonated deeply with many fans and social media users. The public response has been largely positive, with many praising Smith for his willingness to admit mistakes, particularly in how he treated a Black woman in the entertainment industry. One user on social media wrote, “Will apologizes loudly every chance he gets. I respect that,” reflecting the widespread admiration for Smith’s maturity.

Fans have also expressed gratitude for Hubert’s memorable portrayal of Aunt Viv and the impact her absence had on the show. Some online users even suggested that Smith cast her in a new role, hoping that her talents, which were once underappreciated, would be given the recognition they deserve.

Final Thoughts: A Legacy of Growth

Will Smith’s recent reflections on his past and his public apology to Janet Hubert serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of accountability in the entertainment industry. Smith, who has become one of Hollywood’s biggest stars, has shown that personal growth and emotional maturity are essential, especially when dealing with issues of race, gender, and power dynamics.

As for Janet Hubert, her career may have been derailed by the feud, but her legacy as Aunt Viv remains intact, and her talents continue to inspire audiences. The reconciliation between these two figures is a testament to the power of forgiveness and growth, providing a valuable lesson for both the public and the entertainment industry at large.