For decades, Bilaal Salaam says he wasn’t just adjacent to Will Smith’s rise—he was part of it.
Known publicly as Brother Bilaal, Salaam claims he shared a nearly lifelong bond with the actor, describing himself as a close friend and trusted associate who worked alongside Smith on both professional and personal matters. Salaam’s presence in Smith’s life was significant enough that photos of him appeared in Smith’s 2021 memoir, Will, reinforcing what Salaam characterizes as a friendship built over almost 40 years.
Now, however, that long-standing relationship sits at the center of a new legal battle involving Will's longtime wife, Jada Pinkett Smith.
According to court documents obtained by People, Salaam filed a $3 million lawsuit alleging that Jada threatened him during a confrontation that took place on September 25, 2021, at the Regency Calabasas Commons hotel.
At the time, Salaam was attending a private birthday celebration for Will. According to the complaint, Jada approached him in the hotel lobby while accompanied by what the lawsuit describes as “approximately seven members of her entourage.”
The filing claims the exchange quickly turned hostile. Salaam alleges that Jada became verbally aggressive and warned him that if he continued “telling her personal business,” he would “end up missing” or “catch a bullet.” The lawsuit further alleges that she pressured him to sign a nondisclosure agreement, allegedly making the demand with an implied threat.
Salaam also claims the confrontation didn’t end there. According to the complaint, members of Jada’s team followed him to his car, continuing to issue verbal threats after he left the hotel.
Several months later, the lawsuit alleges tensions escalated again following the 2022 Academy Awards, where Will slapped Chris Rock onstage. Salaam claims he was asked, through a mutual contact, to assist with crisis management in the aftermath, but he refused.
In the filing, Salaam alleges he declined to participate in efforts he believed were “illegal, unethical, or morally compromising.”
After that refusal, Salaam claims he became the target of a retaliatory smear campaign. The lawsuit alleges the situation worsened once it became known he was working on a whistleblower memoir about his experiences with the Smiths.
Salaam’s lawsuit accuses Jada of intentional infliction of emotional distress and disputes her public statements suggesting the couple would pursue legal action against him. He alleges those statements were made “with malicious intent” and caused severe personal and professional damage.
Salaam is seeking $3 million in damages.