Will Smith: Obama told son about aliens

Will Smith was left red-faced when his son asked US President Barack Obama about aliens during a visit to the White House.

The star of extra-terrestrial franchise Men in Black recalled how his family was enjoying a guided tour of the iconic building when Jaden interrupted to find out more about space activity.

The actor had specifically told the 13-year-old not to touch upon the subject and tried to intervene, but the head of state took it in good humour.

"The night before Jaden had said to me, 'Dad, I gotta ask the president about the aliens,' and I'm like, 'Dude, no, it's not cool. Do not ask the president!' So we get into the situation room and Jaden gets this look in his eyes and he asks, 'What's my punishment?'" Will told BBC Radio 1.

"And Barack is starting [to talk] about this situation room and Jaden says, 'Excuse me Mr. President…' and I'm like, 'Hey, Barack man, listen…' and Barack said, 'Don't tell me.' And in perfect form - and this is why he is the president - he stopped and looked at Jaden and said, 'The aliens, right? OK, I can neither confirm or deny the existence of extra-terrestrials but I can tell you if there had been a top secret meeting and if there would have been a discussion about it, it would have taken place in this room.'"

Will also spoke about his family's hectic schedules.

With himself and his wife Jada being successful movie stars and their two children Jaden and daughter Willow, 11, establishing entertainment careers for themselves, the Smith clan hasn't got time to think about holidays.

But the actor explained that each family member is having a "fantastic" time and they use the quiet winter period to be together.

"It's a beautiful time for us; we've got movies and music. Jaden and I are actually working together and Willow's about to do Annie, the film version. Good times in the Smith family! They have just gone to Cannes because Jada has Madagascar [Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted] coming out, but we're meeting in New York in two days. We're running around! Getting it done, man!" he laughed.

"When is the last time we went on holiday? Every day is a holiday! [laughs]. No, we usually take eight weeks off during Christmas. Hollywood shuts down during Christmas."