Will Smith’s former longtime friend Bilaal Salaam is suing Jada Pinkett Smith for millions, alleging she threatened him after he made comments about her family.
While the legal fight is still unfolding, Jada Pinkett Smith picked up a courtroom victory this week in the case connected to Salaam’s accusations. The former friend of Will Smith filed the multi-million-dollar lawsuit against her last year.
At a hearing held in Los Angeles on May 18, a judge ordered Salaam to pay over $32,000 in legal fees tied to Pinkett Smith’s successful challenge of parts of his lawsuit. According to USA Today, court documents revealed the actress initially sought a higher amount, but the judge lowered the total after finding some billing charges excessive. The latest ruling adds another chapter to a case that has become increasingly public and personal since it was filed in late 2025.
Will Smith’s former close friend Bilaal Salaam is suing Jada Pinkett Smith for millions, accusing her of threatening him after he publicly discussed her family.
Although the legal battle is still ongoing, Jada Pinkett Smith secured a courtroom win this week in connection to Salaam’s lawsuit, which was filed against her last year.
During a May 18 hearing in Los Angeles, a judge ruled that Salaam must pay more than $32,000 in legal fees related to Pinkett Smith’s successful challenge against parts of his lawsuit. According to USA Today, the actress initially requested a larger amount, but the court lowered the figure after reviewing billing charges it considered excessive. The decision marks another development in a case that has become increasingly public and deeply personal since it first emerged in late 2025.
Salaam’s Claims Against The Smiths
Salaam accused Pinkett Smith of intentionally causing emotional distress through alleged threats and intimidation linked to his public remarks about the Smith family. He claimed the situation worsened after he began speaking about private matters involving the couple and later announced plans to release a memoir detailing his relationship with them.
Court documents allege one confrontation happened during a birthday celebration for Will Smith, where Salaam claimed Pinkett Smith and others warned him against continuing to speak publicly about her private life. Another alleged dispute reportedly stemmed from the fallout surrounding the 2022 Academy Awards incident involving Chris Rock. Salaam alleged he was asked to help with behind-the-scenes damage control following the televised altercation, and claimed tensions escalated after he refused.
The lawsuit also focuses on statements made publicly after Salaam participated in interviews discussing the Smith family. Pinkett Smith later described his actions as a “money shakedown” and signaled she was ready to pursue legal action. Earlier this spring, the court partially sided with her by dismissing several allegations connected to media statements included in Salaam’s complaint. The latest order requiring him to pay legal fees stems from that earlier ruling.
Despite the recent setback, Salaam’s larger lawsuit is still moving forward. He continues to seek millions in damages along with a public retraction of statements he claims damaged his reputation.
