Joy Behar says it’s time for Will Smith to step up. During a conversation on The View this morning about the bombshell revelations Jada Pinkett Smith has dropped about her relationship with Smith, Behar demanded the Emancipation actor hit back and defend himself.

(Editor’s Note: The View is taking a break for Thanksgiving; despite what you may have heard, The View was not canceled today. This article was originally published on October 17, 2023, when this episode first aired. The View will return with new episodes on Monday, November 27.)

During a wide-ranging press tour that’s extended into this week, Pinkett Smith has dropped shocking details about her marriage, including the claim that she and Smith have been separated for years … but might be getting back together?

While Behar proclaimed that Smith’s ongoing silence amidst Pinkett Smith’s book promo has made him look “pathetic,” her co-host Sara Haines argued the opposite.

“The whole book was supposed to be an explainer, I think, and make her look better, but I actually think it’s helped Will more because his own kids are coming out and saying it’s hurting their feelings that this is all playing out publicly,” she said. “There are consequences.”

Behar, calling back to Smith’s role in 2001’s Ali, shot back, “You know, this guy played Mohammed Ali. Come on, get in the ring with her. Why would he sit there and just—” Haines cut in, “No, no, don’t do that,” while Sunny Hostin agreed, “No, he won’t. I think he loves her.”

Behar clarified, “Well, verbally. Don’t slap ’em. Don’t slap anybody again. That’s out. No, no slapping,” referring to Smith’s infamous slap of Chris Rock at the 2022 Oscars.

“But I mean, he sits there and takes it,” Behar continued, to which Hostin asked, “What if he really loves her?” to which Behar retorted, “You’re confusing love with masochism.”

Photo: ABC