Terry McMillan, author of seminal American novels “Waiting to Exhale” amd “How Stella Got Her Groove Back,” took to twitter to complain that celebrities like Will and Jada Pinket-Smith “pimp” their children out for a few pieces of coin. She tweeted:
“The Smith children already act like child stars. There’s an arrogance in their demeanor and behavior. I find it incredibly sad. It feels like the Smith children are being pimped and exploited. Or, they’re already hungry for fame. What about 4th grade?”
McMillan added:
“A lot of A-list movie stars shielded their children from the Hollywood-world until they were old enough to decide. Look at those who didn’t. Look at Lindsay. Phoenix. To name but a few. They miss out on childhood. It’s more important than fame.”
She continued:
“These kids don’t already know what they “love”. Total bullshit. They’re not prodigies. They think Hollywood is real. Why don’t they do a remake of The Little Rascals and call it a day? Or, come up with an original film with some ethnic pride. Come on.”
With wind still in her sails, McMillan ranted further:
“Okay. I’ve said enough about the Smith children. I’m not debating about them. It’s just my opinion. People can justify anything, though.”
Later, McMillan decided her rantings had gone too far. She tweeted an apology: ” I apologize for using the word pimp and exploit in referring to the Smith children. It was insensitive and wrong. “