The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air launched Will Smith to stardom in the early 90s, and fans took little time to resonate with his character, a fictionalized version of himself. Will’s street smartness clashes with the wealthy lifestyle of his upper-class relatives in the hilarious sitcom that ran for 6 seasons.
Duane Martin’s acting career also got lifted due to the show, wherein he made multiple cameo appearances. He also appeared in three episodes of Bel-Air (2022) – the modern reboot of the 90s hit sitcom. The show also helped Martin get acquainted with Smith on the set and subsequently develop a friendship with the star. However, a new rumor suggests that the two were a lot more than just friends.
Fans Think Will Smith Is Doing Damage Control After Duane Martin S*xual Relationship Rumor
In recent years, the internet has come across different stories about Will Smith‘s relationship with Jada Pinkett Smith that has left his fans questioning the state of his marriage with the actress altogether. However, this week, there are a few fans who find themselves questioning the s–uality of the Bad Boys star in the aftermath of a huge claim from Brother Bilaal.
Bilaal, who claims to be a former friend/assistant to Smith, claimed in an interview with Tasha K that he saw Will in a compromising position with Duane Martin, stating:
“I opened the door to Duane’s dressing room and that’s when I see Duane having anal s-x with Will. There was a couch and Will was bent over the couch and Duane was standing up killing him, murdering him. It was murder in there.”
The Oscar-winning actor’s rep has been quick to deny this claim to TMZ, who add in their report that Smith is considering taking legal action. But this hasn’t stopped a few X users from sharing their bold opinions on the matter.
Damage control
— Abubakar Tanimu Umar (@Prince_Bukar) November 15, 2023
People in the know in LA been talking about this for decades, it’s a known secret, many more stories will eventually come out about other very famous actors
— Shadyyee (@chockietee) November 15, 2023
It better be a lie
— viktoh (@effiongviktor) November 15, 2023
Denies, considers, drama.
— Out Of Context Human🚶♂️ (@notcontextsongs) November 15, 2023
Oh just come out at this point
— Skyla (@SkyAintSorry) November 15, 2023
Only time will tell whether there’s any truth in Bilaal’s remarks or his story is a complete fabrication, but undoubtedly the rumor has led to unwanted camera flashes in the direction of the superstar, who can’t seem to catch a break.
What Happened Between Will Smith and Stockard Channing While Shooting Their Movie
Be it Jada’s entanglement comment in 2020 or her big revelation early in October that they have been separated since 2016, the relationship of the popular couple is always in the news. While most of the time, it revolves around just the two, there are instances, like this week, when a different name gets mentioned in the headlines.
In 2021, Stockard Channing made the headlines after Smith claimed in his memoir Will that he “fell in love” with his Six Degrees of Separation co-star.
The Focus actor, who was married to Sheree Zampino at the time, explained that he remained in character (Paul Poitier) even while off the set of the film. The excerpt from the memoir read (via PEOPLE):
“She’d married a guy named Will Smith and now she was living with a guy named Paul Poitier. And to make matters worse, during shooting I fell in love with Stockard Channing.”
Interestingly, his character Paul is a homosexual hustler, who charms a wealthy New York couple, in the engrossing drama.
