The Tragic True Life Story Of Will Smith

As described in heartbreaking detail in his memoir, «Will,» Will Smith claims to have survived a household riddled with domestic violence. His father, whom Will endearingly referred to as «Daddio,» was an Air Force veteran, and Smith’s hero. However, he was also violent, had alcoholism, and tormented Will and his mother. «Like many sons, I worshipped my father, but he also terrified me,» wrote Smith in the memoir.

Smith went on to share a particularly disturbing incident: «When I was 9 years old, I watched my father punch my mother in the side of the head so hard that she collapsed. I saw her spit blood.» Watching his own mother fall victim in such a visceral manner enraged the young Will so much, that he actually considered taking matters into his own hands. «As a child, I’d always told myself that I would one day avenge my mother … I paused at the top of the stairs. I could shove him down and easily get away with it.»

While he admits that this thought crossed his mind more than once, he also expresses in the memoir that he did not, in fact, ever exact his vengeance, a level-headed decision he reflects on with relief in the long run. «Thank God we’re judged by our actions and not our trauma-driven, inner outbursts.»

If you or someone you know is dealing with domestic abuse, you can call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1−800−799−7233. You can also find more information, resources, and support at their website.