SAD NEWS: 35 minutes ago, Will Smith confirmed that ….
On Wednesday’s episode of Red Table Talk, Jada Pinkett Smith takes viewers on an emotional and educational journey as she undergoes her very first colonoscopy. Known for her transparency and willingness to discuss deeply personal topics on the show, Jada invites cameras into the hospital with her to document the experience in hopes of shedding light on the importance of preventative health screenings—particularly colonoscopies, which can be life-saving when it comes to early detection of colon cancer.
The episode features candid conversations with her mother, Adrienne Banfield-Norris, her son Jaden Smith, and a team of respected medical experts who help break down the often misunderstood subject of gut health. The group discusses how digestive health is connected to overall well-being, and why routine screenings like colonoscopies are critical—especially for Black communities, where colorectal cancer rates tend to be higher and often go undiagnosed until later stages.
In a heartfelt clip shared exclusively with PEOPLE, Jada, 50, is seen recovering from the procedure and still feeling the mild, loopy effects of anesthesia. Despite the temporary fog, she assures viewers that the experience was far less intimidating than she expected.
“I feel so relaxed. I feel great,” she says, with a sleepy smile. “Sticking cameras in your booty—that’s a little cumbersome, you know,” she jokes, as her mother and son erupt into laughter.
She admits to feeling some fear at the start, recalling a brief moment of panic before the procedure began:
“For a moment I had a bit of a panic when I first started. I got scared. But I just want people to know that it was a very easeful process. I feel good. I feel extra good because I’m on the other side.”
The segment mirrors a similar moment from 2019, when her husband Will Smith documented his own colonoscopy in a 17-minute vlog posted to his YouTube channel. That video—which has since garnered nearly 4 million views—offered a rare glimpse into a vulnerable side of the actor, and more importantly, revealed a serious finding: a precancerous polyp that was discovered and removed during the exam.
“When I decided I wanted to shoot this as a vlog, it was much more for laughs,” Will said in the video. “But it turned into something far more important and potentially life-saving.”
The Smith family’s openness around medical procedures has resonated deeply with fans, many of whom have credited their videos and discussions for encouraging them to prioritize their own health screenings.
In this new episode, Red Table Talk doesn’t just highlight the physical aspects of undergoing a colonoscopy—it also brings attention to the emotional and cultural barriers that often prevent people from seeking medical help. Shame, fear, and misinformation are some of the obstacles that disproportionately affect communities of color when it comes to health care access and preventative care.
By turning the camera on herself, Jada hopes to destigmatize the experience and make the topic of gut health more approachable. “It’s not just about colon cancer,” she says in the episode. “It’s about understanding your body and taking control of your wellness before something becomes a crisis.”
This episode is not only informative but also deeply personal—blending humor, vulnerability, and education in the signature Red Table Talk style. As always, the show creates a safe space for difficult yet essential conversations, this time with a message that could truly save lives.
