The “best friend” of Will Smith is suing the star’s wife, Jada Pinkett Smith, alleging that the Girls Trip star made “verbally aggressive” threats and told him he would “catch a bullet” if he kept “telling [Pinkett’s] personal business.”
Bilaal Salaam Sues Jada Pinkett Smith
According to a complaint filed on Dec. 1 and reviewed by People, Bilaal Salaam, also known as Brother Bilaal, is suing Pinkett Smith for $3 million over an alleged incident which Salaam claims occurred during a 2021 birthday party held in Smith’s honor. In the suit, Salaam described himself as “a best friend” of Smith, citing that they “worked closely” together “for nearly 40 years.”
Salaam claims that during a party held at the Regency Calabasas Commons on Sept, 25, 2021, Pinkett Smith confronted him alongside “approximately seven members of her entourage.” Salaam alleges that Pinkett Smith “became verbally aggressive and threatened Plaintiff by stating that if he continued ‘telling her personal business,’” he would “’end up missing, or catch a bullet.’” Salaam claims that Pinkett Smith then “demanded” that he sign an NDA “or else.” Pinkett Smith’s entourage allegedly then followed Salaam to his car “while continuing to issue verbal threats.”
Salaam Previously Made Shocking Allegations
In March 2022, following Smith’s Oscar-night meltdown during which he slapped Chris Rock for making remarks about Pinkett Smith’s alopecia, Salaam claims that he refused an entreaty to work “crisis management” for Smith. “Plaintiff refused to perform tasks he believed were illegal, unethical, or morally compromising, stating his conscience would not allow him to be involved in any cover-up or deceptive PR campaign,” the filing claims.
Salaam further alleges that after refusing to work the family’s PR campaign, a “retaliatory campaign” was “launched against him.” He claims this intensified when it was discovered he was penning a “whistleblower memoir” about his relationship with Smith, and after giving an interview which “went viral.” During the 2023 interview on the show Unwine With Tasha K, Salaam alleged that he once walked in on Smith engaging in a sexual act with actor Duane Martin, something that Smith later denied.
“Rather than pursue legal recourse or report actual crimes, Defendant intentionally and maliciously engaged in a smear campaign through nationally broadcast interviews,” Salaam’s lawsuit alleges.
Salaam Is Seeking Millions in Damages
Salaam is seeking $3 million in damages, alleging that he experienced financial loss, reputational harm, emotional trauma, physical health issues, and “the complete derailment of his personal life and career” due to the Smith family’s alleged behavior.
Jada Pinkett Smith has yet to publicly comment on the lawsuit.
