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Jada Pinkett Smith is being sued for $3 million by a former longtime associate of Will Smith.
According to PEOPLE, Bilaal Salaam, also known as Brother Bilaal, filed a lawsuit against Pinkett Smith, alleging that she threatened him when he refused to take part in what he describes as a “cover-up” following the infamous Oscars slap.
In the suit, Salaam claims that he had been close to Smith for nearly four decades and worked with him on both professional and personal matters. Salaam says the conflict began in September 2021 at a private birthday event for Smith at the Regency Calabasas Commons.
According to the filing, Pinkett Smith confronted Salaam while accompanied by “approximately seven” members of her entourage. Salaam claims Pinkett Smith became “verbally aggressive” and threatened him, allegedly warning that if he continued “telling her personal business,” he would “end up missing or catch a bullet.”
Salaam further alleges that Pinkett Smith demanded he sign an NDA “or else,” and that her team followed him to his car while issuing additional threats.
Tensions allegedly flared in March 2022, after Smith slapped Chris Rock during the Oscars ceremony. Salaam claims that after he declined to assist with "crisis management," he was subjected to a “retaliatory campaign,” threats, and a smear effort.
Salaam previously made headlines in 2023 when he claimed in an interview that he once witnessed Smith in a sexual act with actor Duane Martin. Pinkett Smith dismissed the allegation at the time, calling it “ridiculous” and “nonsense.” Salaam’s lawsuit accuses her of engaging in a smear campaign by calling him a liar and saying he was trying to “shake down” the couple.
The suit also cites Pinkett Smith’s statement to TMZ, suggesting the couple planned legal action against Salaam. He alleges that no such action was taken and that the statement was meant to damage his credibility.
Salaam claims Pinkett Smith and her “emissaries” attempted to “bribe, intimidate, and suppress” him, causing severe financial and reputational harm, emotional distress, health issues, and the collapse of his personal and professional life. He is seeking $3 million in damages.
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