Will Smith’s post-Oscars-slap orbit is back in court headlines, this time because a former friend wants to bring him into Jada Pinkett Smith’s legal fight.
Bilaal Salaam, described in legal documents as a former friend of Will Smith, is seeking to depose the actor as part of his $3 million lawsuit against Jada. The case centers on Salaam’s allegations that Jada had people threaten him after he declined to help manage fallout from Will’s 2022 Oscars slap and after she learned he was writing a memoir that mentioned the Smith family.
Jada has denied wrongdoing. Her legal team also pushed back on the attempt to involve Will, saying in correspondence attached to a court motion: “As for your proposed deposition of Will Smith, there is nothing to meet and confer about.”
The response said Will is not a party to the litigation and had not received a subpoena to be questioned under oath.
The latest filing came as Jada asked the court to force Salaam to turn over more evidence. In the motion, she said he had not produced medical records despite claiming emotional distress in the lawsuit.
Part of Salaam’s case has already been narrowed. A judge previously dismissed some of his claims and awarded Jada more than $30,000 in legal fees, while other parts of the lawsuit continue.
For fans, the case is another reminder that the Smith family’s very public 2022 scandal still has legal and reputational aftershocks. For now, Will has not been made a party to the case.
