Hollywood actress Jada Pinkett Smith is facing a multi-million dollar lawsuit filed by a man described as Will Smith's best friend of four decades, following allegations of verbal threats and intimidation.
The Alleged Confrontation and Threats
Bilaal Salaam, also known as Brother Bilaal, has filed a complaint seeking $3 million in damages from the 54-year-old star. The legal documents allege that the confrontation took place on September 25, 2021, in the lobby of the Regency Calabasas Commons during a private birthday party for Will Smith.
Salaam claims Pinkett Smith arrived with approximately seven members of her entourage and "became verbally aggressive". He states she threatened him by saying if he did not stop "telling her personal business", he would "end up missing or catch a bullet". The complaint further alleges that her team followed him to his car, continuing to issue verbal threats.
Claims of a Cover-Up and a Whistleblower Memoir
The legal filing extends beyond the 2021 incident. Salaam claims that in late March 2022, after Will Smith struck Chris Rock at the Oscars, he was asked by a mutual friend to assist with "crisis management". He refused, stating his conscience would not allow him to be involved in any "cover-up or deceptive PR campaign" he believed was unethical.
As a result of his refusal and his public statements, Salaam alleges he has faced ongoing intimidation and bribery attempts from Pinkett Smith and "her emissaries". He is now planning to write a "whistleblower memoir" about his experiences with the couple, which he claims has led to further threats.
Previous Allegations and Denials
The lawsuit also references Salaam's 2023 appearance on the YouTube channel Unwine With Tasha K, where he made a separate, controversial claim about Will Smith. Pinkett Smith publicly branded that claim as "nonsense" and told TMZ that she and Smith were planning legal action.
Salaam's new complaint counters that no such lawsuit was ever filed, calling the statement "false, reckless, and made with malicious intent to manipulate public opinion and damage Plaintiff's character".
The plaintiff alleges he has suffered significant harm, including:
- Financial loss
- Severe emotional distress
- Physical health issues
- Reputational damage
- A "complete derailment of his personal life and career"
The lawsuit is for intentional infliction of emotional distress. Representatives for Jada Pinkett Smith have been contacted for comment regarding the fresh allegations.
