The Ellen Interview
Back in 2013, tabloids began reporting that Jaden had filed for emancipation from his parents. Jaden went on to appear that year on an episode of The Ellen DeGeneres Show and firmly denied these rumors, including the idea that he was planning on leaving home. It seems that the young actor and musician had apparently inherited his father’s sense of humor, which was eminently clear when he explained to Ellen about his decision to stay at home.
Jaden said to Ellen, “See, here’s the thing that you need to understand: I’m not going anywhere… The thing that people don’t get is [that] everything at this house is free! So I can get anything and everything at this house, so I’m going to be there [for] 20 [or] 30 more years.” We sense some excellent sitcom material in this young boy’s blood!
Anticipating Pressure
Jada also knew that the combined fame of their family likely caused a lot of pressure on the young boy. Despite popular conceptions, it’s not easy being an A-list celebrity, especially if you were born into a life rather than choosing to create it. She continued, “Being in this lifestyle – in this world – is a bubble.
He wanted out, and I understood that because I didn’t have the bubble. And I knew how much he would gain from having his freedom outside of that bubble".
Letting Go
Regardless of her fears and reservation, Jada ultimately knew that letting her son move out wouldn’t mean the end of their relationship. She knew that sometimes when you love someone, the best thing you can is let them go so they can make their own path.
She explained that there was also a selfish reason behind letting Jaden go, “I knew that the sooner I let him go, the faster he was going to come back.” And it seems that she was right.
A Fresh Start
It took a few years from then before Jaden Smith finally moved away from his family’s home in Malibu, California. In June 2017, the 19-year-old celebrity moved into to a $4 million mansion right next to his parent’s house in Los Angeles’ Hidden Hills neighborhood.
While Jaden definitely made a bid to freedom by leaving his parents' house, it’s clear that he never meant to go far, as his move was so close to home.
Carving Out His Space
Still, the teenager had to do something to establish his independence from his family. There’s only so many haircuts and dresses you can sport before realizing that you’re still a kid getting coddled by your parents.
This was a good move for young Jaden, as it helped him gain a stronger sense of confidence and ability to get things done on his own.