Will Smith’s 'Pretty Girls' Single: 5 Shocking Reasons Why His 2025 Return To Music Sparked Major Controversy

The phrase "I like pretty girls" has transcended a simple quote to become the controversial centerpiece of Will Smith's highly-publicized return to music in 2025. Released as a single from his fifth studio album, Based on a True Story, the track "Pretty Girls" immediately reignited conversations about the actor's evolving public image, his complex personal life, and his attempt to reclaim his rap roots after years away from the microphone. This article, updated for December 2025, dives deep into the context, the critical reception, and the shocking reasons why this playful-yet-cringe-worthy summer anthem became a lightning rod for debate across social media and music circles.

The song, along with its vibrant and slightly bizarre music video—which features the 57-year-old star surrounded by models and even includes a therapy session skit—has been widely described by critics as a "risky move" and "cringe-inducing." The timing, following years of intense scrutiny regarding his marriage to Jada Pinkett Smith and the infamous "Slap" incident at the Oscars, suggests a deliberate attempt by Smith to address his public trauma through his art, albeit in a surprisingly lighthearted and arguably tone-deaf manner. The core intention is clear: to get people talking, and on that front, the single has been an undeniable success, whether positive or negative.

Will Smith: A Profile in Brief

Willard Carroll Smith II, known globally as Will Smith, is one of the most successful and recognizable figures in modern entertainment. His career spans over four decades, encompassing Grammy-winning rap, blockbuster films, and an Oscar-winning performance.

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• Full Name: Willard Carroll Smith II
• Born: September 25, 1968 (Age 57 as of late 2025)
• Birthplace: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
• Occupations: Actor, Rapper, Film Producer, Comedian.
• Music Career Highlights: Began as one half of the duo DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince. Notable hits include "Summertime," "Parents Just Don't Understand," and "Gettin' Jiggy wit It." His 2025 album, Based on a True Story, marked his first studio album in over two decades.
• Film Career Highlights: Known for major blockbusters like Bad Boys (1995), Independence Day (1996), Men in Black (1997), I Am Legend (2007), and Suicide Squad (2016).
• Major Awards: One Academy Award (Best Actor for King Richard), Four Grammy Awards, a Golden Globe Award, and a Screen Actors Guild Award.
• Spouse: Jada Pinkett Smith (Married 1997, though their relationship status has been a subject of public discussion and separation rumors since 2020).
• Children: Trey Smith (from a previous marriage), Jaden Smith, and Willow Smith.

The Full Story Behind the "I Like Pretty Girls" Single

The single "Pretty Girls" is not a standalone piece of nostalgia; it is a crucial component of Will Smith's 2025 musical comeback. The song itself is a high-energy, club-ready track that relies heavily on a simple, repetitive chorus: "I like pretty girls."

A Return to the Microphone After Two Decades

Smith’s fifth studio album, Based on a True Story, was released in March 2025, his first since 2005’s Lost and Found. The album was framed by Smith as an artistic exploration of the "repressed psychological damage" he has been unravelling in recent years, a theme he discussed in various interviews leading up to the release.

However, "Pretty Girls," released as a single in mid-June 2025, seemed to contradict the album's introspective promise. It was a throwback to his lighter, less serious "Fresh Prince" persona, but delivered by a 57-year-old man whose public life has been anything but light in the last few years.

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The Controversial 'Therapy' Framing

The music video for "Pretty Girls" immediately raised eyebrows. It is bookended by a scene in which Smith, playing a version of himself, visits a therapist. He opens up about his "problem" which he has had "ever since he was a kid"—a problem that the rest of the video reveals is simply his overwhelming attraction to "pretty girls."

This framing was interpreted in two main ways:

• As Satire: Some fans argued it was a clever, self-aware piece of satire, poking fun at his own squeaky-clean image and the constant public scrutiny of his personal life, especially his relationship with Jada Pinkett Smith.
• As a "Cry for Help": Critics, particularly those at The Independent, viewed it as "seedy" and a "cry for help," suggesting the song and video were a desperate attempt to appear carefree while dealing with significant emotional baggage in the public eye.

Why the 'Pretty Girls' Single Sparked a 2025 Controversy

The backlash and intense discussion surrounding "Pretty Girls" were not just about the quality of the music; they were inextricably linked to Will Smith’s recent history, particularly his marriage and the "entanglement" revelations.

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1. The Jada Pinkett Smith Factor

The most significant point of contention was the perceived disconnect between the song's theme and Will Smith's complex marital status. Following Jada Pinkett Smith's revelation that the couple had been separated since 2016, a song about a 57-year-old man enthusiastically professing his love for "pretty girls" was seen as provocative.

Fans on social media immediately questioned the optics, with many making comments like, "Jada ain't gonna like this song, is she?" The single became a viral meme, with many users interpreting it as Will Smith confirming his "single" status in a very public, albeit indirect, way.

2. The 'Cringe-Worthy' Age Gap

A recurring criticism was the age of the performer versus the subject matter. Critics found the song "cringe-worthy" and awkward, suggesting the "kid bop mix trash" style was ill-suited for a respected, mid-50s Oscar-winner.

The visual of a 57-year-old Smith "surrounded by four younger women" in the music video was a point of criticism, with some arguing it felt desperate rather than playful, a stark contrast to the youthful, innocent charm of his Fresh Prince days.

3. A Conflict with His New Persona

Smith has spent the last few years in a highly public, therapeutic journey, discussing his childhood trauma, his need for validation, and his complex relationship dynamics. The album Based on a True Story was meant to be the culmination of this therapeutic unravelling.

The light, almost juvenile nature of "Pretty Girls" seemed to undermine this serious, mature persona. It created a tonal whiplash for listeners, who were left wondering if the album was truly about deep psychological damage or just a vehicle for a playful summer hit.

Will Smith’s Evolving Public Persona: From Fresh Prince to 'Stale Prince'

Will Smith’s career has always been characterized by his ability to maintain a clean, family-friendly image while still being a mainstream star. The "Pretty Girls" single represents the latest, and perhaps most confusing, evolution of that persona.

The Pressure of the Clean Image

Throughout his rap career with DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince, Smith was famous for not using profanity, a choice he once said was influenced by his grandmother. This commitment to a "squeaky-clean" image made his early success unique in the world of hip-hop.

The 2025 album, however, reportedly features a "newfound wisdom and—even more shockingly—curse words," suggesting a deliberate breaking away from his past constraints.

The Search for Authenticity

In the wake of the Oscars incident and the public revelations about his marriage, Smith has been on a quest for authenticity. The song "Pretty Girls," with its self-deprecating therapy skit, can be viewed as an attempt to control the narrative—to acknowledge his flaws (in this case, his attraction to women) and present them as a humorous, relatable "problem" rather than a source of shame or controversy.

However, the critical reception suggests that while he is trying to be authentic and open, the execution fell short for many. The song’s catchy nature might make it a trending hit, but its controversial subtext ensures it will remain a talking point for years, forever linked to the most tumultuous period of his life.

Conclusion

Will Smith's "I like pretty girls" is far more than a simple lyric; it is the title of a 2025 single that encapsulates the complexity and controversy of his current career phase. As part of his album Based on a True Story, the song is a polarizing mix of nostalgia and modern-day awkwardness. It successfully generated buzz, but at the cost of being labeled "seedy" and prompting intense speculation about his personal life with Jada Pinkett Smith. Ultimately, the track proves that even a superstar like Will Smith cannot escape the scrutiny of an audience that is now acutely aware of the 'true story' behind the Fresh Prince persona.