
Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith say they're not to blame for a movie that made absolutely no money.
In legal papers filed Feb. 5 in L.A. County Superior Court, the Hollywood power couple claims the guy who financed the movie is threatening to sue them because he believes they "guaranteed" a return on an investment to get him on board. According to TMZ, the Smiths claim they "made no such representations."
When news first broke out that Jada would be writing and directing her first film called 'The Human Contract,' some saw it as a breakthrough in the African American community. After all, except for Troy Beyer, who directed Nick Cannon in 'Love Don't Cost A Thing,' there weren't that many high profiled actresses-turned-directors in the game.
The completed film was first shown at the 2008 Cannes Film Festival, hoping to a land a distributor. It was also shown at the Chicago Film Festival, where the Hollywood Reporter stated that "Pinkett Smith clearly understands cinematic aesthetics, and her bold storytelling bespeaks the skill of a veteran filmmaker." With husband Will Smith on board as one of the producers through his company Overbrook Entertainment and with the success they have had with his films, many wondered why suitors weren't lining up at the door.
With little-known actors Jason Clarke and Paz Vega in the lead roles, and Idris Elba, Ted Danson, Joanna Cassidy and Jada Pinkett-Smith, herself, contributing supporting parts, the film was eventually picked up but went straight to DVD in June 2009 through Sony Pictures Home Entertainment. Sony happens to be the distributor to Smith's last six of seven blockbuster films.
A rep for the couple told TMZ, "Although we normally shun this type of controversy, we felt compelled to respond to the baseless threats and absurd allegations put forth by Mr. David Grasso's counsel."


Comments: (96)
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By: Lazarus Long on 2/09/2010 10:12AM
The directors and producers are the ones who pick the actors and have TOTAL control over the finished product presented to the viewers.
Of course we all know that Jada Pincett and Will Smith are not at fault for this bomb,even though she directed it and he produced it. They are black,and black people are "special" and are never to be given the blame for anything.
If they were white,they would be at fault,though.
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By: babymonsta on 2/09/2010 9:33AM
its not their fault at all.
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By: becki on 2/09/2010 9:35AM
I think Jada is overly ambitious...it doesn't seem to be enough for her to have everything...she appears to want more...
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By: Kendra on 2/09/2010 9:41AM
It looks good to me, I'd see it. They should have advertised more.
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By: David on 2/09/2010 9:52AM
In this adulterous world the last thing that people want to be exposed to is a movie about secret affairs. It stirs up to much in what is questionable area and raises suspicion and tension. Couples mostly go to a movie⦠who wants to be set on the path of thinking that their mate is cheating.
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By: algonquin j. calhoun on 2/09/2010 10:01AM
woo! every single film in which jada punkett smif has played a starring role has been a bomb. woo, indeed!
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By: Alan on 2/09/2010 10:12AM
There is no doubt in my mind that they both said the movie would be a success " Because of Who We are "--Yea right---Their heads are a little toooooooo big for their body
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By: WHITIE on 2/09/2010 10:18AM
ANOTHER BREAK THRU FOR AFRICAN-AMERICANS?MY GOD ITS GETTING SO OLD ALREADY.
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By: cmellonas on 2/09/2010 10:45AM
Hollywood people telling lies, and misrepresenting,please say it isnt so.
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By: carole on 2/09/2010 10:42AM
i think if they promised the film would make money and they probably did, pay up so the guy doesnt lose the money he invested. just another case of a star thinking they can over because of who they are.
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