In 1989, days after Will Smith and DJ Jazzy Jeff won the Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance for their hit song "Parents Just Don't Understand," Smith was involved in an altercation that nearly left the other participant blind. The incident happened in West Philadelphia and was initially reported by the National Enquirer.

The story alleges that Smith told his bodyguard Charles Alston to "attack" record promoter William Hendricks. Hendricks' left eye orbit was fractured in the attack and required six stitches.

Smith was arrested on charges for "aggravated assault, criminal conspiracy, simple assault and recklessly endangering another person," per the outlet. The charges against Smith were dropped, and most people have forgotten such an ugly event even occurred, though he did spend a night behind bars for his actions.