In a stunning revelation that closes one of television's most enduring behind-the-scenes conflicts, Janet Hubert, the original Aunt Viv from The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, has publicly disclosed the details of her secret reconciliation and financial settlement with superstar Will Smith.
The historic feud, which spanned over a quarter of a century, finally reached its conclusion after a private meeting and a substantial payout, bringing long-awaited closure to both parties.
The BBC Interview: A Story of Closure
Hubert laid bare the entire emotional journey during a candid and powerful interview on BBC's Victoria Derbyshire programme. She described the profound impact of the public falling-out, which she claims blacklisted her from Hollywood and caused immense personal and professional hardship for decades.
She revealed that the path to peace began with a direct and private approach from Smith himself, leading to a face-to-face meeting where years of resentment were finally addressed.
A Private Meeting and a Life-Changing Payout
"He came to my house. We talked for hours," Hubert recounted, detailing the raw and honest conversation that served as the foundation for their forgiveness. The reconciliation was solidified with a significant financial settlement from Smith, which Hubert described as "a cheque with a lot of zeros on it" that has provided life-altering security for her and her family.
While the exact figure remains confidential, Hubert emphasised that the gesture was about more than money; it was a symbolic acknowledgment of the past and a step towards healing the deep wounds inflicted by their very public dispute.
From Bitter Feud to Public Apology
The infamous rift began in the 1990s when Hubert was abruptly replaced by Daphne Maxwell Reid after the show's third season. For years, both parties traded public criticisms, with Smith once accusing her of attempting to "extort" him.
The thaw began in 2020 when Smith publicly apologised to Hubert during the HBO Max Fresh Prince reunion special. Hubert's appearance on that special was the first public sign of a détente, but the full extent of the reconciliation and the financial agreement had remained a secret until now.
Hubert's story is a powerful testament to the possibility of forgiveness and the complex, often painful, realities that exist behind the glamorous facade of show business.
