Jada Pinkett Smith Seeks Dismissal of $3M Lawsuit Over Alleged Threats

The actress claims the lawsuit contains 'false' and 'uncorroborated' statements.

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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Jada Pinkett Smith has requested a California court to dismiss a $3 million lawsuit filed against her by Bilaal Salaam, a musician and former friend of her husband Will Smith. Salaam alleges that Pinkett Smith threatened him in a hotel lobby in 2021, but the actress claims his statements are 'false' and 'uncorroborated', and that she has a right to comment on matters of public interest regarding her family.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing legal battles and public scrutiny faced by high-profile celebrity couples like the Smiths. It also raises questions about the limits of free speech and the use of lawsuits to silence public commentary, especially on matters of intense public interest.

The details

According to the lawsuit, Salaam claims Pinkett Smith confronted him in the Regency Calabasas Commons lobby in September 2021 and became 'verbally aggressive', threatening that if he continued 'telling her personal business', he may 'end up missing or catch a bullet'. Salaam also alleged that the Smiths had asked for his help with 'crisis management' after Will Smith struck Chris Rock at the 2022 Oscars, but he refused to perform 'illegal, unethical, or morally compromising' tasks, leading to a 'retaliatory campaign' against him.

  • The alleged incident in the hotel lobby occurred in September 2021.
  • Salaam filed the $3 million lawsuit against Pinkett Smith in December 2025.
  • Pinkett Smith filed a motion on February 16, 2026, asking the court to dismiss the lawsuit.

The players

Jada Pinkett Smith

An American actress, producer, and businesswoman, known for her roles in films like The Matrix Revolutions and Girls Trip.

Bilaal Salaam

A musician and former friend of Will Smith, who filed a $3 million lawsuit against Jada Pinkett Smith alleging she threatened him in a hotel lobby.

Will Smith

An American actor, producer, and rapper, known for his roles in films like Men in Black and the 2022 Oscars incident where he struck Chris Rock.

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What they’re saying

“Pinkett Smith then allegedly said that if Salaam kept 'telling her personal business,' he may 'end up missing or catch a bullet.'”

— Bilaal Salaam, Plaintiff (People)

“Salaam hoped to draw attention as part of an ongoing public campaign against the family.”

— Jada Pinkett Smith, Defendant (Daily Mail)

“Comments she allegedly made in the lawsuit were 'constitutionally protected.'”

— Jada Pinkett Smith, Defendant (Daily Mail)

What’s next

The court will decide whether to dismiss the $3 million lawsuit filed by Bilaal Salaam against Jada Pinkett Smith.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing legal battles and public scrutiny faced by high-profile celebrity couples, as well as the use of lawsuits to potentially silence public commentary on matters of intense public interest.