Will Smith’s Ex-Friend Demands Actor Testify in $3 Million Lawsuit Against Jada Pinkett

Bilaal Salaam, a former friend of Will Smith, is demanding the actor testify in a $3 million lawsuit against his wife, Jada Pinkett Smith. The lawsuit was filed in November 2025, and it stems from an alleged confrontation at Will's birthday party in September 2021.

Salaam claims Jada confronted him aggressively, threatening him during the event. On July 7, he sent an email requesting that a judge compel Will to participate in a deposition, as revealed in legal documents.

Jada's legal team shot back, asserting that Will is not involved in the litigation and has not been served with a subpoena. They stated, “there is nothing to meet and confer about,” emphasizing the procedural requirements for obtaining testimony from a nonparty.

Furthermore, Jada's attorneys argue that Salaam, who is representing himself, has failed to provide evidence supporting his claims. They are demanding proof of medical records to substantiate his allegations of emotional distress stemming from the supposed threat.

They also seek any recorded communications Salaam claims to have with witnesses regarding the alleged threats made by Jada.

Although Salaam's request to proceed to trial was denied, a hearing is set for August 19. Representatives for both Jada and Will were unavailable for immediate comment.

Salaam has described himself as Will's “best friend for nearly 40 years.” He alleges that on September 25, 2021, Jada approached him with an entourage at the Regency Calabasas Common during Will's birthday celebration.

According to the lawsuit, Jada became verbally aggressive, threatening him with statements like if he continued “telling her personal business,” he would “end up missing or catch a bullet.” She also demanded he sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) “or else.”

The filing indicates that the threats continued as Salaam walked to his car after the confrontation.

Salaam further claims he faced a “retaliatory campaign” after he did not assist with crisis management following Will's infamous slap of Chris Rock at the 2022 Oscars over a joke about Jada.

In February, Jada responded to these allegations, labeling them as “false, uncorroborated, and made to generate attention as part of an ongoing public campaign of harassment directed at” her and her family. She accused Salaam of having a “fixation” on her family and noted that he did not mention her name during the alleged incident in 2021.

Additionally, she has requested that Salaam cover her $49,000 in legal fees as the litigation unfolds.