Did Jada physically threaten Will Smith's friend?
What's the story
Hollywood actor Jada Pinkett Smith is reportedly facing a $3 million lawsuit from her husband Will Smith's longtime friend, Bilaal Salaam. The lawsuit alleges that Pinkett Smith threatened him at Smith's birthday party in September 2021. Salaam claims she verbally assaulted him and issued threats if he continued revealing her personal life details.
Details
'End up missing or catch a bullet'
The lawsuit, per Page Six, states, "While in the lobby, 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.'" Salaam claims she also demanded he sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) "or else."
Legal action
Salaam's refusal to assist led to 'retaliatory campaign'
The lawsuit claims that after Salaam refused to assist with crisis management following Smith's infamous Oscar slap incident in 2022, a "retaliatory campaign" was launched against him. He alleges he was asked to perform tasks he deemed "illegal, unethical, or morally compromising." The lawsuit further claims that Pinkett Smith's denial to TMZ of ever witnessing her husband engage in sexual or intimate behavior with men caused him emotional distress.
Past allegations
Salaam previously accused Smith of infidelity
This isn't the first time Salaam has made serious allegations against Smith's family. In November 2023, he claimed to have caught the Men in Black star in a compromising position with actor Duane Martin, which was denied by Smith's representative. The rep called the story "completely fabricated" and the claim "unequivocally false."
Allegations
Salaam's health and reputation allegedly suffered due to Pinkett Smith
Salaam claims that Pinkett Smith's alleged "malicious, intentional, and reckless conduct" has led to the destruction of his reputation, deterioration of his health, financial loss, and emotional trauma. He also alleges that he was threatened by a manager on behalf of Pinkett Smith to "work something out" regarding a memoir he was planning to release. The lawsuit seeks $3 million in damages.