In a surprising turn of events, one of the most talked-about lawsuits in Hollywood involves a man who used to call himself a long-time associate of Will Smith. Bilaal Salaam has now become the main character in a lawsuit drama against Jada Pinkett Smith. 

The plaintiff's accusations are both dramatic and extremely personal. Along with his dubious past connections to the Smiths and provocative remarks in public interviews, online gossip about Salaam has been the source of discussion for quite some time. 

The recent lawsuit has highlighted his name in the mainstream celebrity feuds and not in a positive light. So, who exactly is Bilaal Salaam?

Bilaal Salaam, also known as Brother Bilaal, asserts that he has been a friend of Will Smith for almost forty years. Some reports suggest he also served as Smith's former assistant. He allegedly frequently claimed himself as a trusted pal and a co-worker who was involved in the actor’s personal and professional life. 

Public interest in Brother Bilaal's profile surged when he claimed to have caught Will Smith being physically intimate with actor Duane Martin. He also published a book about Smith's scandals called Will Smith Demonic Circle, filled with uncorroborated allegations.

On December 1, 2025, Salaam brought a $3 million lawsuit against Jada Pinkett Smith in the Los Angeles Superior Court, alleging emotional distress, intimidation, and retaliation. The case is reportedly based on a 2021 confrontation during a private celebration for Will Smith's 53rd birthday at the Regency Calabasas Commons.

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With more details about the case unfolding, the Smith family continues to face legal or pop cultural tempests.

In the $3 million lawsuit, as reported by The Independent, Bilaal Salaam claimed that Pinkett Smith, during the party, threatened him for accusing him of "telling her personal business," with about seven people from her entourage and was verbally aggressive. He also stated that she demanded that he sign a nondisclosure agreement or else be prepared for repercussions. 

Brother Bilaal allegedly warned that he would "end up missing or catch a bullet," if he did not stop revealing her private matters. Moreover, the complaint of Salaam indicates that Pinkett Smith’s team members were closely walking behind him to his car after the fight was over.

Salaam mentioned that they were issuing threats all the while which he claimed led to a retaliatory campaign against him that ruined his reputation, health, and career. The case took an even more terribly sensitive turn when Salaam revealed that he had refused to participate in the PR crisis management for Will Smith after his infamous 2022 Oscars slap of Chris Rock, and found the task rather illegal, unethical, or morally compromising.

Jada Pinkett Smith, who was at the center of the Will Smith-Duane Martin controversy then, responded to the allegations in an interview with The Breakfast Club, calling them "nonsense."

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Not only is the lawsuit seeking financial compensation, but demanding something even more noteworthy.

The lawsuit documents that were obtained by several news outlets reveal that Bilaal Salaam is indeed demanding Jada Pinkett Smith to pay him $3 million in damages. Among the reasons, he lists the loss of income, damage to reputation, stress, health issues, and the total disruption of his personal and professional life due to the alleged threats and smear campaign. 

Salaam is reportedly asking for special, general, punitive, and exemplary damages in the lawsuit. Besides, he is also requesting a public retraction of statements made by Jada Pinkett Smith that he claims damaged his reputation.

Meanwhile, the Smiths have branded the litigation nonsense and an opportunistic attempt to cash in on the couple’s fame, implying that they consider the demand an illegitimate lawsuit rather than a legal grievance. 

At this point, Salaam’s $3 million lawsuit against Jada Pinkett Smith has just been initiated, with Salaam’s team having presented their claims for damages. But the matter is still developing, and it is uncertain if the court will give damages, throw the lawsuit out, or redirect it for settlement or trial. 

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