Willow Smith, 20, has opened up about being polyamorous during an episode of the talk show Red Table Talk, which she co-hosts with her mother Jada Pinkett-Smith and grandmother Adrienne Banfield-Norrison. Polyamory is a relationship style where all parties agree it is acceptable to have more than one romantic partner.
Willow explained that she could not see herself wanting more than two partners. She said: 'With polyamory, I feel like the main foundation is the freedom to be able to create a relationship style that works for you and not just stepping into monogamy because that's what everyone around you says is the right thing to do.' She also noted that research suggests infidelity is a leading cause of divorce.
Leanne, 22, a bisexual polyamorous woman who runs the UK-based Poly Philia education page, watched the interview and agreed with Willow's perspective. Leanne said she knew from age 17 that conventional monogamy was not for her. She added: 'A lot of people assume that being poly is selfish and we're greedy... Actually, it's the most selfless thing you can do. I love my partner and I want other people to love them too.'
Leanne acknowledged that jealousy can arise, but emphasised that boundaries are set by each individual. She also shared that her mother initially reacted negatively, calling her 'cold hearted' and comparing her to a prostitute, but Leanne believes this came from ignorance and a fear that she would get hurt.
Willow's grandmother expressed concern that polyamory is 'really all just about sex,' but Willow denied this, stating that among her friends, she is the polyamorous one with the least sex. Leanne echoed this, noting that people have different needs regarding sex, and that polyamory can be about emotional connection as well.
