Will Smith Pulled Into $3M Jada Lawsuit as Ex-Friend Seeks His Testimony

Will Smith is being drawn into a legal dispute between his wife, Jada Pinkett Smith, and his former friend, Bilaal Salaam. In a July 7 email, Salaam requested that Smith, 57, testify in his $3 million lawsuit against Pinkett Smith, 54. Jada’s attorney rejected the request, saying Smith is not a party to the case and that Salaam must formally subpoena him if he wants his testimony.

What Salaam is suing Jada for

Salaam filed suit in November 2025, accusing Pinkett Smith of threatening him on multiple occasions. At a private birthday gathering for Smith in 2021, Salaam alleged that Pinkett Smith and seven members of her entourage told him he would “end up missing or catch a bullet” if he continued discussing her personal business. Salaam also claims he developed post-traumatic stress disorder, a 100-pound weight gain, high blood pressure, and diabetes from the alleged campaign against him.

The Oscars slap connection

Salaam says the threats escalated after the 2022 Oscars ceremony, when Will Smith slapped Chris Rock onstage. Salaam alleged that Pinkett Smith asked him to help with crisis management following the incident. When he refused and later began planning a memoir about the Smith family, Salaam claims a retaliatory campaign was launched against him. According to court documents, Salaam is seeking millions in damages for intentional infliction of emotional distress.

Why Jada’s lawyers say Will cannot be deposed

In her July 15 motion to compel, Jada’s attorney, Courtney L. Puritsky, stated that Will Smith is not a party to the litigation and has not been served with a subpoena. Puritsky wrote that Salaam “must comply with the applicable procedures for obtaining discovery from a nonparty.” She noted that Salaam is representing himself in the case and must follow formal legal procedures. The court has not yet ruled on whether Will Smith will be required to testify.

Jada’s legal position and ongoing disputes

Pinkett Smith denies all allegations. Her legal team previously challenged Salaam’s complaint under California’s anti-SLAPP law, a statute designed to prevent frivolous lawsuits that chill free speech. A judge dismissed several claims and ordered Salaam to pay Jada $32,836 in attorney fees. The case remains active, and Salaam has also requested that Jada sit for another deposition within 30 days. Her lawyers argued she had already answered questions in a related proceeding and proposed limiting any additional questioning to one hour.

Final Thoughts

Will Smith’s involvement remains uncertain. Jada’s legal team has made clear that an informal request does not obligate him to participate, and a judge will ultimately decide whether Salaam can compel his testimony through proper legal channels.

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