Actress and talk show host Jada Pinkett Smith is pushing back forcefully against a $3 million lawsuit, asking a court to throw out allegations that she threatened a longtime associate of her husband, Will Smith.
In newly filed legal documents, Pinkett Smith described the case brought by Bilaal Salaam as “false, uncorroborated,” and part of what she called an ongoing campaign to harass her and her family.
Lawsuit Centers on Alleged Threat
Salaam, who says he was a close friend of Will Smith for roughly four decades, filed the lawsuit in November 2025. He claims Pinkett Smith confronted him at a birthday party in September 2021 and allegedly threatened him over what she described as sharing private family matters.
According to the suit, Salaam alleges she warned he could end up “missing or catch a bullet” if he continued speaking publicly. He also claims she pressured him to sign a non-disclosure agreement to remain silent.
The lawsuit seeks $3 million in damages for intentional infliction of emotional distress.
Pinkett Smith Denies All Allegations
Pinkett Smith’s legal filing rejects the claims outright. She argues that Salaam’s case is baseless and intended to generate publicity.
Her attorneys also say her comments on family matters are protected under constitutional free speech rights because they involve issues of “intense public interest.”
The actress further contends she never mentioned Salaam by name when discussing any related matters publicly.
Fallout Linked to Oscars Controversy
Salaam’s lawsuit also ties the dispute to the aftermath of the highly publicized 2022 Academy Awards incident, when Will Smith slapped comedian Chris Rock on stage.
Salaam claims tensions escalated after he declined to assist in what he described as “crisis management” following the incident.
Pinkett Smith, however, denies any connection between that event and the lawsuit’s allegations.
Legal Battle Intensifies
In her filing, Pinkett Smith not only asks the court to dismiss the lawsuit but also seeks to have Salaam pay her legal costs.
The case now heads toward a judicial decision on whether the claims can proceed or will be dismissed before trial.
