Jada Pinkett Smith is facing a $3 million lawsuit from a longtime friend and former colleague of her husband, Will Smith, alleging threats and emotional distress.
According to Fox News, court documents obtained by the outlet show Bilaal Salaam, who described himself as a “best friend” to Will Smith for nearly 40 years, claims Jada threatened his life during a confrontation at a Calabasas movie theater in September 2021.
“While in the lobby, Defendant Jada Pinkett Smith approached Plaintiff with approximately seven members of her entourage, became verbally aggressive, and threatened Plaintiff by stating that if he continued ‘telling her personal business,’ he would ‘end up missing or catch a bullet,’ and demanded he sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) ‘or else,’” the documents state.
Salaam also alleged that after the encounter, one of Jada’s associates followed him to his car while continuing to issue verbal threats.
The lawsuit further claims that six months later, actor Duane Martin contacted Salaam, saying he was urgently needed for crisis management following the March 2022 Academy Awards incident in which Will Smith slapped Chris Rock.
Salaam said he refused to perform tasks he believed were “illegal, unethical, or morally compromising,” citing his conscience as the reason.
“Duane Martin warned Plaintiff that he would face ‘serious problems’ with Defendant Jada Pinkett Smith for refusing to help,” the documents stated.
According to Salaam, this led to a “retaliatory campaign” including threats from individuals closely associated with the couple.
He also claims Jada publicly mischaracterized him during an appearance on The Breakfast Club, alleging he attempted a “money shakedown” and implying he engaged in criminal extortion.
Salaam alleges he suffered “severe, multidimensional harm, including financial loss, reputational destruction, emotional trauma, physical health deterioration, and the complete derailment of his personal life and career.”
He estimates the total damages caused by Jada Pinkett Smith exceed $3 million.
The lawsuit underscores the ongoing fallout and complex legal disputes stemming from the events surrounding the 2022 Oscars incident and its aftermath.
