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Why Are Will Smith and India Martínez Being Criticized for Their ‘Heated’ Performance?

The artists took the stage to perform their collaboration 'First Love' at the 2025 Premio Lo Nuestro

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Will Smith seems to have a knack for making headlines at award shows. After the infamous 2022 Oscars slap involving Chris Rock, the actor and singer is once again in the spotlight. This time for his ‘heated’ performance with Spanish singer India Martínez at the 2025 Premio Lo Nuestro.

Smith and Martínez took the stage to perform their collaboration ‘First Love’ alongside Marcin. While the song itself captivated the audience, it was the undeniable chemistry between the two that truly stole the show.

At one point, as they stood face to face, Smith appeared to lean in for a kiss, but Martínez swiftly turned away, seemingly choosing to stay in sync with the song. However, the moment didn’t kill the mood—later in the performance, they did end up sharing a kiss from another angle, further fueling the buzz.

Despite the momentary awkwardness, the performance remained full of passion from start to finish. Both Smith and Martínez later expressed excitement about their time on stage, even sharing clips on social media.

A Divided Reaction

While the performers seemed pleased with their act, the press and online users weren’t as convinced. Some critics labeled the performance as ‘inappropriate,’ questioning Smith’s intentions and Martínez’s role in the spectacle. Some have accused Smith of being a “desperate man trying to revive his fading career”.

On the other hand, others criticized Martínez, calling the performance an ‘over-the-top publicity stunt.’ The Daily Mail highlighted moments where Martínez wrapped her legs around Smith’s waist and how he appeared to place his hand on her lower back. The outlet even reported that some viewers compared Smith to a dad singing karaoke with a drunk woman, emphasizing the excessive flirtation.

Whether it was an authentic display of passion or a staged performance for shock value, one thing is clear: Will Smith has once again become the talk of an award show.