Jada Pinkett Smith has allegedly issued dire threats to Will Smith's longtime friend, Bilaal Salaam, warning him that he would "end up missing" or "catch a bullet" if he persisted in discussing her private life. These chilling threats have been the subject of a recent lawsuit filed by Salaam in the Los Angeles Superior Court, where he is representing himself and seeking $3 million in damages, accusing Pinkett Smith of intentionally causing emotional distress.
Salaam describes himself as a close friend of Will Smith for nearly four decades, citing the actor's memoir and public remarks by D.L. Hughley. According to his filing, the confrontation took place in September 2021 in a Calabasas hotel lobby during Will Smith's 53rd birthday celebration.
Salaam alleges that Pinkett Smith, accompanied by seven associates, became verbally aggressive and demanded that he sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA). He says one associate even followed him to his car to continue issuing threats. These alleged threats have triggered severe psychological and physical effects on Salaam, including PTSD, hypertension, Type 2 diabetes, significant weight gain, the loss of a long-term relationship, and two years of self-imposed exile.
He also claims that his luxury jewelry brand, Bopulent, collapsed, and a planned memoir with a reported $500,000 advance was put on hold as a result of these threats. Furthermore, Salaam alleges additional threats after the 2022 Oscars incident, saying actor Duane Martin pressured him to assist with damage control and warned of repercussions from Pinkett Smith if he refused. He claims that three associates also threatened him during this time.
The suit also accuses Pinkett Smith of discrediting Salaam by denying that she had ever seen Will Smith engage in intimate behavior with men, despite Salaam releasing a video that he says contradicts her claims. He claims that her comments have fueled ridicule, reputational damage, and accusations of extortion, and he plans to file additional claims against Will Smith as well.
