In a recent interview, J Balvin expressed a deep connection to Will Smith, whom he invited to join his Coachella performance, highlighting Smith as an idol. Balvin empathized with Smith's 2022 Oscars incident, where he slapped Chris Rock, noting that both faced significant public scrutiny around the same time. He stated, "You cannot judge a person for some mistakes," emphasizing that a single mistake does not define a person's character. Balvin revealed that convincing Smith to perform took persistence, as he often sent him motivational messages. The Colombian artist reflected on their parallel experiences of facing backlash, which made their collaboration even more meaningful. Balvin concluded by celebrating Smith's recent resurgence in the entertainment industry, indicating mutual support during difficult times.