Jada Pinkett Smith Seeks Dismissal of $3M Lawsuit Filed by Bilaal Salaam Over Alleged Threats

Mackenzie Garcia February 17, 2026

Jada Pinkett Smith fires back at ‘nonsense’ claims she threatened Will Smith’s friend (Photo by Swan Gallet/WWD via Getty Images)

Jada Pinkett Smith is seeking to have a $3 million lawsuit filed against her by musician Bilaal Salaam dismissed, calling the allegations “false” and part of what she describes as an ongoing harassment campaign.

According to court documents obtained by Page Six, Pinkett Smith recently filed a motion arguing that Salaam’s claims are “false, uncorroborated, and made to generate attention” directed at her and her family. The actress and “Red Table Talk” host also contends that the lawsuit seeks to penalize her for what she characterizes as constitutionally protected speech on matters of public interest concerning her family.

Salaam filed the $3 million lawsuit in November 2025. In his complaint, he alleges that Pinkett Smith confronted him during a September 25, 2021, birthday celebration for her husband, Will Smith, held at the Regency Calabasas Common in California.

Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith attend the 28th Screen — (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for WarnerMedia)

Salaam, who has described himself as Smith’s “best friend for nearly 40 years,” claims Pinkett Smith threatened him, allegedly saying he would “end up missing or catch a bullet” if he continued discussing her personal matters.

Pinkett Smith denies the accusations and, in her dismissal motion, asserts that she never mentioned Salaam by name in connection with the alleged incident. She further claims in the filing that Salaam has demonstrated a “fixation” on her family.

In addition to alleging threats, Salaam accuses Pinkett Smith of launching a retaliatory campaign after he declined to assist with crisis management following Smith’s widely publicized altercation with Chris Rock at the 2022 Academy Awards. He is also suing for intentional infliction of emotional distress, citing her public denial to TMZ that she had ever witnessed Smith engage in sexual or intimate behavior with men.

Jada Pinkett Smith Says Her Family Is 'Healing' — Jada Pinkett Smith Says Her Family Healing (Image Credit: Getty Images)

Salaam claims that as a result of Pinkett Smith’s alleged actions, his reputation suffered, his health declined, and he experienced financial losses and emotional trauma. He is seeking $3 million in damages.

The current lawsuit follows earlier claims made by Salaam in November 2023, when he alleged that he once witnessed Smith engaged in sexual activity with actor Duane Martin. At the time, a representative for Smith denied the allegation, telling TMZ the story was “completely fabricated” and “unequivocally false.” Pinkett Smith’s motion to dismiss is now pending before the court.

READ NEXT