Will Smith’s Friend Says Jada Pinkett Smith Threatned Him In Recent Lawsuit Filing
Jada Pinkett Smith and Will Smith’s relationship has been anything but conventional. While they seemed like an average married couple for many years, they compeltely changed the perception of their union in 2020 with several humiliating revelations. Their connection was called into question again in 2022 after the infamous “Oscar slap.” Now, Jada Pinkett Smith is dealing with more backlash after a lawsuit was filed against her. The suit, filed by Bilaal Salaam, paints a pretty negative picture of Pinkett Smith and her team.
Who is Bilaal Salaam?
Bilaal Salaam, sometimes known as Brother Bilaal, was a longtime friend and associate of Will Smith. The former friends reportedly grew up together in Philadelphia. Bilaal and Smith enjoyed a 40-year friendship until recently, when things soured between Salaam and the Smiths.
It is unclear what Salaam currently does for work, but he claims he previously worked as an unofficial assistant to Smith. The Daily Mail spoke with Salaam, who insists he was driven into “exile” by his former friends. A lawsuit against Will Smith is apparently also in the works.
Why did he file a lawsuit against Jada Pinkett Smith?
The basis of Salaam’s lawsuit is a 2021 incident in which he claims Jada Pinkett Smith threatened him during a birthday celebration for Will Smith. According to court records, Salaam alleges that Pinkett Smith approached him in the lobby of the Regency Calabasas Commons and threatened him because she believed he was sharing information about her. Salaam claims she told him he would “catch a bullet” if he kept “telling her personal business.”
He said the verbal altercation continued into the parking lot, where he was asked to sign an NDA, to which he refused. Salaam contends that Pinkett Smith and her entourage were hostile and intimidating during the event. In the same filing, he claims his relationship with the famous couple deteriorated further in 2022, when he refused to help shore up Smith’s image following Smith’s assault of Chris Rock at the Oscars.
According to E! Online, Salaam is seeking $3 million in damages. He claims that Pinkett Smith caused him emotional distress. Salaam is also requesting that the Smiths retract statements they made suggesting he was attempting to “extort” them. The lawsuit was filed in November and became public knowledge in December. There has been no movement in the case thus far.
What has Will Smith said?
Jada Pinkett Smith is clearly the more outspoken person in her complicated relationship with Will Smith. She’s opting to follow Smith’s lead this time around by remaining silent. Neither Jada Pinkett Smith nor Will Smith has released a statement about Bilaal Salaam’s claims. In fact, they have not acknowledged knowing of the complainant at all.
There have been some reports from insiders who claim to be close to the situation. According to People, insiders contend that the Smiths remain united on the matter, despite being separated. The insider claims both believe Salaam is out to exploit their fame and is simply interested in a payday. It is unclear if they plan to countersue. Salaam is representing himself.
