Will Smith's Ex-Friend Seeks Actor's Testimony in $3M Lawsuit Against Jada Pinkett Smith

Bilaal Salaam, a former friend of actor Will Smith, is seeking the actor's testimony in a $3 million lawsuit filed against Jada Pinkett Smith. Salaam alleges that Pinkett Smith confronted and threatened him at Will Smith's birthday party in September 2021.

In a July 7 email, Salaam requested that a judge compel Will Smith to participate in a deposition. Jada Pinkett Smith's legal team responded by stating that Will Smith is not a party to the litigation and has not been formally served a subpoena. The team also argued that any request for his deposition must comply with procedures for obtaining discovery from a nonparty.

Salaam, who is representing himself, has also been asked by Pinkett Smith's attorneys to provide evidence supporting his allegations, including medical records for emotional distress and recorded communications related to the alleged threat. The actress's legal team has described the claims as "false, uncorroborated, and made to generate attention."

According to the lawsuit, Salaam claims that Jada Pinkett Smith approached him with an entourage at the Regency Calabasas Commons on September 25, 2021. He alleges that she became verbally aggressive, threatened him with physical harm if he continued to share personal information, and demanded he sign a non-disclosure agreement. Salaam further claims that the threats continued as he walked to his car.

Salaam also alleges that he faced a "retaliatory campaign" after he did not assist with crisis management following Will Smith's altercation with Chris Rock at the 2022 Academy Awards. Jada Pinkett Smith denied these allegations in February, stating that Salaam had a "fixation" on her family and had not named her husband when the alleged incident occurred. She has also requested that Salaam cover her legal fees.

A hearing for Salaam and Pinkett Smith is scheduled for August 19. Salaam previously filed the $3 million lawsuit against Jada Pinkett Smith in November 2025. Representatives for Jada Pinkett Smith and Will Smith were not immediately available for comment.