Jada Pinkett Smith Warns Will’s Friend Against Sharing Her Personal Matters, $3M Lawsuit Alleges
Credit:
Leon Bennett/Getty
Jada Pinkett Smith Faces $3 Million Lawsuit
Jada Pinkett Smith is at the center of a $3 million lawsuit filed by Bilaal Salaam, a former associate of her husband, Will Smith. The lawsuit arises from an alleged incident in 2021 where Salaam claims Pinkett Smith verbally threatened him during a birthday celebration for Will Smith.
According to the complaint, Salaam states that on September 25, 2021, he was confronted by Pinkett Smith in the lobby of the Regency Calabasas Commons. The complaint alleges that she was accompanied by approximately seven members of her entourage during the confrontation.
Salaam claims that Pinkett Smith became verbally aggressive, threatening him with statements implying he would "end up missing" or "catch a bullet" if he continued to disclose "her personal business." The filing further alleges that she demanded he sign a nondisclosure agreement.
Following the incident, Salaam asserts that Pinkett Smith’s team followed him to his car, continuing to issue verbal threats. Six months later, in March 2022, Salaam declined a request for help with "crisis management" related to the fallout from the Academy Awards incident where Will Smith slapped comedian Chris Rock.
In his filing, Salaam expresses that he refused to partake in activities he deemed unethical or illegal, stating his conscience would not allow him to be involved in any cover-up. After this refusal, he alleges that he became the target of a "retaliatory campaign," facing threats from the Smiths’ circle.
The situation escalated after Salaam indicated he was writing a "whistleblower memoir" about his experiences with the Smiths, further intensifying a smear campaign against him following a viral interview he gave.
In a 2023 interview with Unwine With Tasha K, Salaam alleged he witnessed Will Smith in a compromising situation with actor Duane Martin. In response to this, he claims Pinkett Smith engaged in a smear campaign rather than pursuing legal recourse.
On The Breakfast Club, Pinkett Smith dismissed Salaam’s claims, describing them as "ridiculous" and "nonsense." The lawsuit includes allegations of intentional infliction of emotional distress, stating that Pinkett Smith accused Salaam of attempting to "shake down" her and Will Smith during one interview.
Salaam also referenced Pinkett Smith’s statement to TMZ, where she suggested legal action would follow his claims. He alleges this statement was false and made with malicious intent to damage his reputation.
The complaint details that Salaam has suffered substantial damages, including financial loss, reputational harm, emotional distress, and significant disruptions to his personal and professional life as a result of Pinkett Smith’s alleged actions. He is seeking $3 million in damages.
Representatives for Pinkett Smith, Will Smith, and Duane Martin have not provided comments regarding the lawsuit.
