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Will Smith | India Martinez and Will Smith | Source: Getty Images | Instagram/willsmith
Will Smith | India Martinez and Will Smith | Source: Getty Images | Instagram/willsmith

Will Smith Blasted for 'Inappropriate' Act with Stunning Brunette on Stage — What to Know About Her

Milly Wanjiku Ndirangu
Feb 26, 2025
10:06 A.M.

Will Smith's recent live performance has drawn sharp criticism after a moment with his female co-performer went viral. While fans have questioned whether the display was appropriate, some are curious about the woman involved.

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Will Smith's appearance at the Premio Lo Nuestro Awards on February 20, 2025, became a major talking point after his performance with Spanish singer India Martínez. What was meant to be a routine musical act quickly drew attention online.

India Martínez and Will Smith perform onstage during Univision's 37th Premio Lo Nuestro at Kaseya Center on February 20, 2025 | Source: Getty Images

India Martínez and Will Smith perform onstage during Univision's 37th Premio Lo Nuestro at Kaseya Center on February 20, 2025 | Source: Getty Images

A brief exchange between the two on stage left fans divided, with some questioning whether it was appropriate. The moment has since sparked curiosity about India and her connection to Will.

India Martínez and Will Smith perform onstage during Univision's 37th Premio Lo Nuestro in Miami, Florida on February 20, 2025 | Source: Getty Images

India Martínez and Will Smith perform onstage during Univision's 37th Premio Lo Nuestro in Miami, Florida on February 20, 2025 | Source: Getty Images

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Will's Controversial Moment on Stage

The Premio Lo Nuestro Awards kicked off on February 20, 2025, in Miami, Florida, with an electrifying opening performance by Will and India.

The duo took the stage to perform their collaboration, "First Love," a song that blends Will's signature rap style with India's flamenco-infused vocals. However, it wasn't just the music that captured the audience's attention.

India Martínez and Will Smith perform onstage during Univision's 37th Premio Lo Nuestro on February 20, 2025 | Source: Getty Images

India Martínez and Will Smith perform onstage during Univision's 37th Premio Lo Nuestro on February 20, 2025 | Source: Getty Images

During the act, Will was seen leaning toward India with a pout, appearing to go in for a kiss, but she turned away and walked past him. Moments later, she leaned in herself, appearing to mirror the earlier moment.

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While the interaction seemed to be part of the choreography, it left many viewers uncomfortable. Footage of the exchange quickly circulated online, with fans expressing their disapproval in the comments of India's Instagram post from the event.

India Martínez and Will Smith perform onstage on February 20, 2025 | Source: Instagram/india_martinez_oficial

India Martínez and Will Smith perform onstage on February 20, 2025 | Source: Instagram/india_martinez_oficial

One person commented, "This entire video is cringe," while another wrote, "Performances are really going downhill these days." One user stated, "This is weird" and another remarked, "She thinks this behavior is appropriate with him."

Some even referenced Will's past controversies, with one comment reading, "He's gotten himself in an entanglement!" and another predicting, "A red table talk is coming soon."

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Another directly called out the nature of the performance, stating, "Inappropriate. Even if it is 'entertainment.'" Some were more curious than critical, asking, "Who's that lady?"

So, Who Is India Martínez?

While many viewers were familiar with Will, some were left wondering about the woman at the center of the controversy. India, a Latin Grammy-nominated singer, has been a prominent figure in the Spanish music industry for years.

India Martínez and Will Smith perform onstage on February 20, 2025 | Source: Instagram/india_martinez_oficial

India Martínez and Will Smith perform onstage on February 20, 2025 | Source: Instagram/india_martinez_oficial

Known for her distinctive blend of flamenco and pop, she has built a successful career that has earned her critical acclaim and a devoted fan base. Over the years, she has gained recognition for her emotive voice and ability to fuse traditional flamenco with contemporary sounds.

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In addition to her two Latin Grammy nominations, she won a Goya Award in 2015 for Best Original Song. Beyond her successful career, India has a rich personal life that she shares with her longtime partner, Ismael Vázquez. The couple has been together for over a decade.

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India Martinez and Ismael Vázquez on the red carpet of the Goya Awards in February 2024 | Source: Getty images

India Martinez and Ismael Vázquez on the red carpet of the Goya Awards in February 2024 | Source: Getty images

Ismael is an actor, director, stunt specialist, capoeira instructor, and filmmaker. He has played a key role in India's career, working closely on various audiovisual projects, including a film centered around her and the Spanish pop band Dvicio.

Their relationship is built on mutual admiration, artistic passion, and shared flamenco roots. Speaking about Ismael, India once described him as someone who "loves unconditionally, is detail-oriented, and lets his partner be, without restrictions."

India Martinez with her partner Ismael Vazquez at the 37th Goya awards gala on February 11, 2023 | Source: Getty images

India Martinez with her partner Ismael Vazquez at the 37th Goya awards gala on February 11, 2023 | Source: Getty images

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India remains deeply dedicated to both her career and personal life, often sharing heartwarming moments with fans. In July 2024, she shared a touching interaction at one of her concerts in La Solana, Spain. While performing off-stage, a small child clung to her, refusing to let go.

India tried multiple times to return the child to their grandmother but ultimately brought them on stage and sang one of her songs as a lullaby. Reflecting on the emotional moment, she wrote, "I think I'd better leave a video here because this has no explanation."

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The Latin singer has children of her own and often shares glimpses of them on social media, highlighting her devotion to both her family and her career. With a thriving career, a long-term partner, and a family she openly cherishes, India's personal life tells a very different story from the headlines surrounding her and Will.

While their performance at Premio Lo Nuestro was designed to entertain, it has only fueled ongoing speculation—especially given India's complex relationship history. His marriage to Jada Pinkett Smith has been the subject of intense public scrutiny, with years of revelations about their unconventional dynamic.

Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith at TCL Chinese Theatre on February 24, 2015 in Hollywood, California | Source: Getty Images

Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith at TCL Chinese Theatre on February 24, 2015 in Hollywood, California | Source: Getty Images

Will's Relationship with Jada Pinkett Smith

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India's marriage to Jada has been the subject of public discussion for years. Their relationship has been marked by highs and lows, and despite being married for nearly three decades, they have lived separate lives for years.

Will and Jada married in 1997 and were once seen as one of Hollywood's most enduring couples. However, in 2023, Jada shocked fans when she revealed that they had actually been separated since 2016—a detail they had kept private for years.

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Despite living separate lives, she emphasized that their bond remained strong and they were still navigating what their relationship meant. "We're still figuring it out," she stated at the time. Sources close to the couple have stated that their lives remain intertwined.

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One source noted that they are "still together" in some capacity but are navigating their relationship in their own way. The couple continues to make public appearances together, fueling speculation about the true nature of their relationship. In May 2024, they walked the red carpet at the Los Angeles premiere of "Bad Boys: Ride or Die."

Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith attend the Los Angeles premiere of Columbia Pictures' "Bad Boys: Ride or Die" on May 30, 2024 | Source: Getty Images

Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith attend the Los Angeles premiere of Columbia Pictures' "Bad Boys: Ride or Die" on May 30, 2024 | Source: Getty Images

With them were their children, Jaden and Willow, as well as Will's eldest son, Trey Smith, from his previous marriage. In November 2024, the pair were spotted having dinner at Crossroads Restaurant in Calabasas.

Trey, Willow, Will, Jada, Jaden Smith and Adrienne Banfield-Norris attend the Los Angeles premiere of "Bad Boys: Ride or Die" on May 30, 2024 | Source: Getty Images

Trey, Willow, Will, Jada, Jaden Smith and Adrienne Banfield-Norris attend the Los Angeles premiere of "Bad Boys: Ride or Die" on May 30, 2024 | Source: Getty Images

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Later in the year, the couple was spotted together again during a November 2024 dinner outing at Crossroads Restaurant in Calabasas, a well-known vegan eatery. Will, dressed casually in a white T-shirt and green button-down, was seen leaving the restaurant with Jada, who wore a tan jacket and jeans. As they made their exit, Jada wrapped her arm around Smith before they exchanged hugs with a friend.

Will himself has spoken about his connection to Jada, describing her as one of the few people he considers close friends. In a 2024 interview, he praised her loyalty, saying, "Jada is one of the most gangsta ride-or-die's I've ever had."

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Despite their complex history, it is clear that their relationship—however unconventional—remains a defining aspect of Will's life. One of the most defining moments of Will and Jada's relationship played out on the global stage during the 2022 Academy Awards.

Jada, Willow, Will, Jaden, and Trey Smith attend the Vanity Fair Oscar Party on March 28, 2022 | Source: Getty Images

Jada, Willow, Will, Jaden, and Trey Smith attend the Vanity Fair Oscar Party on March 28, 2022 | Source: Getty Images

The 2022 Oscars Slap and Its Impact on Their Marriage

During the 2022 Oscars, Will won the Best Actor award for his role in "King Richard," but it was another moment that overshadowed his achievement. At one point during the ceremony, comedian Chris Rock made a joke about Jada's shaved head, referencing "G.I. Jane."

Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith at the 94th Academy Awards held at Dolby Theatre on March 27, 2022 | Source: Getty Images

Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith at the 94th Academy Awards held at Dolby Theatre on March 27, 2022 | Source: Getty Images

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While Will initially laughed, Jada—who has spoken openly about her struggles with alopecia—rolled her eyes in disapproval. Seconds later, Will walked onstage and slapped Chris across the face, stunning the audience. As he returned to his seat, he shouted at the comedian, asking him to keep Jada's name out of his mouth.

Will Smith slaps Chris Rock onstage at the 94th Academy Awards held at Dolby Theatre on March 27, 2022 | Source: Getty Images

Will Smith slaps Chris Rock onstage at the 94th Academy Awards held at Dolby Theatre on March 27, 2022 | Source: Getty Images

The shocking altercation became one of the most talked-about moments in Oscars history and led to Will being banned from the awards for ten years. For Jada, however, the slap was a turning point in their marriage.

Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith at the 94th Academy Awards on March 27, 2022 | Source: Getty Images

Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith at the 94th Academy Awards on March 27, 2022 | Source: Getty Images

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In 2023, she revealed that she had not planned to attend the Oscars that year, but in hindsight, she saw the incident as a catalyst for change in their relationship. "I call it the 'holy slap' now because so many positive things came after it," she admitted.

Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith attend the 94th Annual Academy Awards on March 27, 2022 | Source: Getty Images

Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith attend the 94th Annual Academy Awards on March 27, 2022 | Source: Getty Images

Despite the public fallout, the moment reinforced her commitment to Will. She explained that, after years of questioning whether she would stay by his side, the slap made her realize she would never leave him. "That moment[...] is when you see where you really are," she said.

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At the time of the slap, few people knew that Will and Jada had already been separated for six years. In July 2020, during an episode of her talk show, "Red Table Talk," Jada publicly addressed her past relationship with singer August Alsina, referring to it as an "entanglement." The revelation sparked controversy, leading to ongoing speculation about the couple's dynamic.

August Alsina and Jada Pinkett Smith at the 2017 BET Awards at Staples Center on June 25, 2017 | Source: Getty Images

August Alsina and Jada Pinkett Smith at the 2017 BET Awards at Staples Center on June 25, 2017 | Source: Getty Images

Now, years after the Oscars incident, Will and Jada's relationship remains a subject of intrigue. While they continue to live separately, they have not formally ended their marriage, leaving many questioning what the future holds for them.

As Will's on-stage moment with India fuels fresh debate, it's clear that public scrutiny over his personal life has not faded. However, beyond the controversies, Will remains focused on his career—continuing to work on music and film projects despite the ever-present media attention.

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