Willow Smith Bravely Reveals Self-Harm Struggles to Her Mom and Grandma, Powerful Conversation Ensues
Trigger warning: This article contains topics of self-harm and depression.
Music star Willow Smith may have taken the internet and entertainment world by storm with her 2010 Whip My Hair hit at only nine years old, but the success cost her dearly.
Her mental health declined severely, and the period following her retreat from the spotlight took her into a very dark place, to the point where she start harming herself.
In a powerful demonstration of vulnerability, Willow revealed the heartbreaking secret to the world and mom Jada Pinkett Smith for the first time ever on Red Table Talk, the Facebook Watch exclusive show hosted by Jada, her mother Adrienne and Willow.
The show, which discusses universally relatable topics from an intergenerational perspective, approached the topic of loss in the episode. After Jada opened up about how much Tupac’s death still affects her to this day, she asked Willow what her biggest loss so far in life has been.
“I honestly feel like I lost my sanity at one point,” Willow said, explaining how she questioned her own identity, perspectives and outlook in life after deciding to pull back from the music world. “I was just plunged into this black hole and I was like cutting myself, and doing crazy things” Willow bravely opened up, to a shocked Jada and Adrienne.
Nobody knew the extent of her pain.
“What? Really? When were you cutting yourself? I didn’t see that part,” said a visibly tearful Jada. Shocked that she didn’t know, she questioned her daughter to find out whether anyone else in the family was aware. No one knew, as Willow hid it well, telling only one friend about it up until now.
“Totally lost my sanity for a moment there,” she said. “I never talk about it, because it was such a short, weird point in my life, but you have… you have to pull yourself out of it.”
Willow went on to talk about how a lot of teenage girls struggle with depression and self-harm, and that her struggle was by far not an isolated case. She does not believe this is a new affliction, just that there is more openness and awareness nowadays about the issue. Watch the brave discussion it its entirety below:
Editor’s Note: Struggling and feeling hopeless? You are not alone. Please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
Military Dad Defends His 4 Little Daughters When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Military Dad of 4 Daughters Defends His Girls When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Austin von Letkemann is the military officer strangers feel "sorry" for — and the reason is infuriating.
Whenever the devoted father leaves the house with his four children, strangers can't help but notice the officer in uniform is holding hands with 4 adorable little girls. They will tell the traditionally "masculine" and "all American" dad they feel sorry for him, because he has no sons. This dad makes one thing very clear: They are his daughters, they aren't a burden.
In a passionate video, von Letkemann took to Instagram to share with his followers that the only thing that's "difficult" about being a girl dad — is clapping back to these sexist remarks over and over again.
They Mock His Daughters To Their Face
When strangers approach Austin von Letkemann and his four daughters, they don't always realize that their comments are being overheard. They seem oblivious to the fact that his girls understand every word. Von Letkemann describes how people will approach him and, without thinking, make remarks like "I'm sorry" or even joke about his lack of sons. What they don't realize is that these comments, intended to be light-hearted or humorous, can be deeply hurtful to his daughters. These strangers are not just disrespecting von Letkemann's choices as a father; they're also sending a message to his daughters that their presence is something to be pitied. It’s a message that von Letkemann won't stand for, and he's speaking out to defend his girls from these insensitive remarksSaying "Get Your Shotgun" Isn't Funny — It's Sexist
Another common comment that Austin von Letkemann encounters is the old "better get your shotgun ready" trope, often delivered with a smirk or a wink. This line is typically intended to suggest that a father with daughters should be on high alert to protect them from potential "suitors," implying that they are objects to be guarded rather than individuals with agency.
Von Letkemann finds this line of thinking outdated and sexist. In his viral Instagram video, he points out that these jokes are not just stale — they're damaging.
By suggesting that his daughters require armed protection, the joke reinforces the idea that women are inherently vulnerable and need to be shielded from men. Von Letkemann argues that instead of promoting this narrative, society should focus on teaching respect and consent, challenging these sexist tropes at their source.
Watch Austin von Letkemann's Video:
"If I Had A Fifth Child, I'd HOPE It Was A Girl" — One Dad's Message For Other Parents
Despite the constant remarks about his lack of sons, Austin von Letkemann is clear: He wouldn't trade his daughters for anything.
In fact, he told his Instagram followers that if he were to have a fifth child, he would hope for another girl. This declaration isn't just about doubling down on his pride in his family — it's a pointed response to those who see fathering daughters as a misfortune.
Von Letkemann's stance is a powerful one, rejecting the notion that a family is incomplete without sons. He encourages others to question the assumptions behind these comments and to appreciate the joy and fulfillment that his daughters bring. By sharing his story, von Letkemann hopes to create a more inclusive perspective on fatherhood, one that values daughters just as much as sons.