Jada Pinkett Smith’s series Red Table Talk has been the talk of the town thanks to the intriguing and insightful discussions that end up happening at the red table. This week’s episode brought Jada together with Gabrielle Union to discuss their estranged relationship with each other, as well as victimhood, healing, self-reflection and the #MeToo movement.
The episode opens with both women sharing that neither of them really knows why they had a falling out nor why it took 17 years to get to have a conversation about it. They both acknowledge that, while they were always friendly and cordial, there was always tension between the two.
"That was some petty ass s—t," said Smith about the lack of communication between the two concerning their feud. Smith goes on the share how powerful Union's speech was at Essence where Union stated, "I used to shrink in the presence of other dope beautiful women, I used to revel in gossip and rumors, I took joy in people’s pain and I tap danced on their misery. Real fierce and fearless women celebrate and compliment other women and we recognize and embrace the notion that their shine in no way diminishes our light and that it actually makes our light shine brighter."
Union continued to share with Smith that she hit rock bottom after her first marriage and show cancellation. With the help of fitness trainer and life coach, AJ Johnson, she soon realized that she had a history of tearing down and assassinating the characters of other women. Smith agreed, "We've all been there — someone else comes along and we feel threatened in some form and we feel like we have to shrink somebody else down in order to feel bigger."
Smith concluded the episode by asking Union why the #MeToo movement is important to her. Union quickly responded that "it’s incredibly personal." Union continues on to share her personal #MeToo story and how she has found a place for healing within those who are also a part of the movement.
Both Smith and Union ended by making amends, promising to be there for one another if needed and thanking each other for being open to having a tough but needed conversation.
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