Jada Pinkett Smith is asking a court to throw out a new lawsuit filed by Bilaal Salaam, a former friend of her husband Will Smith, after he claimed their ongoing dispute left him emotionally distressed.
According to legal documents, Salaam alleges the actress caused him severe anxiety, depression, and weight gain after people close to the Smith family allegedly threatened him over a memoir he is writing. He is seeking $3 million in damages. Salaam also claims he temporarily left the United States because he feared for his safety. In the filing, he says the fallout from the dispute damaged his romantic relationship and caused ongoing sleeplessness and fear.
The latest suit comes after Salaam previously sought a restraining order against Pinkett Smith. A judge denied that request, ruling there was not enough evidence to support his claims.
Will Smith’s longtime friend and former assistant, Bilaal Salaam (a.k.a. Brother Bilaal), has filed a $3 million lawsuit against Jada Pinkett Smith. now has pneumonia pic.twitter.com/TlWCTSAJb2
— December’s 12/18 Coldest(@SagittariusN2U) January 16, 2026
Pinkett Smith has denied all allegations against her.
In court documents, the actress argues Salaam has not offered proof linking her to the distress he says he suffered. She also says there is no evidence showing she was responsible for threats, his move out of the country, or the end of his relationship.
Pinkett Smith further argues that Salaam’s accusations are “false, uncorroborated” and part of “an ongoing public campaign of harassment” against her family.
TMZ reported that Salaam also accused Pinkett Smith of targeting him after he refused to publicly defend Will Smith at the Oscars amid the fallout surrounding the 2022 ceremony.