Will Smith-Jada Pinkett Smith 'really mad' over $3 million lawsuit
What's the story
Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith are reportedly upset over a recent lawsuit filed against the latter. The complaint was filed by Bilaal Salaam (aka Brother Bilaal), who alleged that Pinkett Smith threatened him in 2021. An entertainment source told People that the couple is "really mad" and sees the lawsuit as a "money ploy to get what they can out of them."
Source's statement
'Naturally, both dislike people around them talking out of school'
The source further said, "Naturally, both of them dislike people around them talking out of school." Salaam had claimed in a 2023 interview that he caught Smith in a sexual act with actor Duane Martin. Now, Salaam's complaint alleges that Pinkett Smith "demanded" he sign a nondisclosure agreement or else face consequences. The lawsuit also claims he was later threatened by Smith and Pinkett Smith's circle after he gave the "viral" interview discussing the allegations.
Legal action
Salaam's lawsuit seeks damages for emotional distress
Salaam's lawsuit seeks damages for intentional infliction of emotional distress, claiming Pinkett Smith accused him of trying to "shake down" her and her husband in a later interview. Meanwhile, the source described Salaam to the outlet as "an opportunistic person out to exploit them." They added that the $3 million lawsuit was "tailored to produce some money to make it go away."
Relationship history
Pinkett Smith and Smith's relationship timeline
Pinkett Smith and Smith tied the knot in 1997. In 2023, she revealed they had been separated for seven years. The couple has two children together: son Jaden (27) and daughter Willow (25). Smith also has a son named Trey (33) from his previous marriage to Sheree Zampino.