Jaden Smith is facing backlash again—but this time, it’s not for his eccentric hairstyles or bold outfits. The controversy centers around a fashion collaboration involving Kanye West footwear designer Steven Smith.
Steven Smith previously collaborated with West on Yeezy for eight years before being let go in 2024.
“I see you’re working with Steven Smith, who designed with Ye. What are y’all cooking up?” the reporter asked on Feb. 11 at the Coulda Been Love season 2 screening in Hollywood, Calif.
As of early 2026, Jaden is leading collections at Christian Louboutin, drawing on Steven’s expertise to help expand the brand’s creative direction and push new design boundaries.
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Jaden Smith Slammed For His Behavior In New Interview
The 27-year-old, who is the men's creative director for Christian Louboutin, looked the reporter in the eye at the start of the question but then glanced down midway through. As soon as she finished, he dramatically walked away from her.
Watching him move further down the red carpet, the reporter, visibly confused, quipped, “I guess we'll never find out.”
Kanye West dismissed his longtime Yeezy head designer, Steven Smith, in August 2024 after what was described as a “tipping point” in their professional relationship. Reports suggest the split was fueled by chaotic and reportedly “toxic” working conditions.
Smith, who had been a central designer for YZY, characterized the environment as “circling the drain” and, according to Fast Company, felt that West had “lost his mind.”
The video (seen here) quickly went viral on Reddit, where fans criticized Smith’s behavior and also highlighted that he “has never really worked on anything in his life” due to his nepo-baby status.
Reddit Users React
“Jaden was actually angry because he didn’t know what ‘work’ means,” said one user.
Another wrote, “He’s such a spoiled little s***. He really is. But maybe he never had a chance, since the entire Smith family seems to be insane.” Another commented, “That’s like storming out over an employer asking about a job listed on your resume lol.”
“He’s a melodramatic nepobaby,” someone else added. “How is this dude still relevant? He's such an insufferable clown; I don't understand how anyone would choose to work with him ever,” another user wrote.
“I’ve never seen this kid once in his whole life act normal or do something cool,” one person said, to which another replied, “Because he’s a nepo baby, he’s never worked for anything in his life. Everybody knows him as Will Smith’s son.”
“That whole family is deranged,” another commented. “I guess making poor decisions in moments of perceived conflict runs in the family,” wrote someone else.
Some users came to challenge the hate, noting, “I’m not defending anything, but I am certain that whether or not he answers the question, the headline will reflect both Jaden and Kanye’s names together. If you’re trying to not be linked to someone (in this case, Kanye), it’s best just to walk out and have that be the headline.”
