Jada Pinkett Smith Warned Will's Friend of Consequences for Sharing Her 'Personal Business,' Alleges $3M Lawsuit

Jada Pinkett Smith is being sued for $3 million by a former associate, Bilaal Salaam, who alleges that she threatened him in 2021. Salaam, who goes by Brother Bilaal and claims to have been a close friend of Will Smith for nearly four decades, stated that he collaborated with the actor on various professional and personal projects. He also mentioned that Smith included photos of him in his memoir Will.

According to a complaint obtained by PEOPLE on December 1, 2025, Salaam alleges that Pinkett Smith confronted him on September 25, 2021, in the lobby of the Regency Calabasas Commons during a private birthday event for Will Smith. The lawsuit claims that she was accompanied by roughly seven members of her entourage.

The complaint states that Pinkett Smith became verbally aggressive and warned Salaam that if he continued sharing her personal matters, he could "end up missing" or "catch a bullet." It also alleges that she demanded he sign a nondisclosure agreement under threat of unspecified consequences. Following the confrontation, Salaam claims Pinkett Smiths team followed him to his car, continuing the verbal threats.

In March 2022, Salaam refused a request from a mutual acquaintance to assist with crisis management following the Academy Awards, where Will Smith famously slapped comedian Chris Rock over a joke about Pinkett Smiths alopecia. Salaam claims he declined to participate in activities he considered illegal or unethical, which led to further threats from the Smiths circle and a retaliatory campaign against him.

The lawsuit also alleges that threats escalated when Salaam began working on a whistleblower memoir about his experiences with the Smith family. He claims a smear campaign intensified after a viral interview he gave, and he accused Pinkett Smith of spreading false narratives through national media appearances rather than pursuing legal action over any alleged wrongdoing.

In a 2023 interview, Salaam claimed he witnessed Will Smith engaging in sexual activity with actor Duane Martin, which he alleges was later used as part of a smear campaign. Pinkett Smith has publicly dismissed the claims, calling them ridiculous during an appearance on The Breakfast Club. Salaam is pursuing damages for intentional infliction of emotional distress, asserting that Pinkett Smith made false statements to media outlets, including TMZ, to damage his reputation.

The complaint states that as a result of Pinkett Smiths alleged actions and the actions of her associates, Salaam has suffered financial losses, reputational damage, emotional distress, health problems, and significant disruption to his personal and professional life. He is seeking $3 million in compensation.

Representatives for Jada Pinkett Smith, Will Smith, and Duane Martin were contacted for comment.

Author: Sophia Brooks