Jada Pinkett Smith Seeks Dismissal of $3M Lawsuit Filed by Will Smith's Ex-Friend

Jada's legal team argues the lawsuit is a 'meritless attack' under California's anti-SLAPP statute.

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

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Jada Pinkett Smith is asking a California judge to dismiss a $3 million lawsuit filed by Bilaal Salaam, also known as Brother Bilaal. Salaam, a former friend of Will Smith, claimed Jada threatened his life in 2021 and that the Smiths launched a 'retaliatory campaign' against him after he planned to write a 'whistleblower memoir'. However, Jada's legal team is arguing the lawsuit is a 'meritless attack' that violates California's anti-SLAPP statute, which is designed to weed out lawsuits filed to silence people speaking out on public issues.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing legal battles and public disputes within the Smith family, which have garnered significant media attention in recent years. The use of California's anti-SLAPP statute by Jada's team also speaks to the broader issue of protecting free speech rights against frivolous lawsuits.

The details

In new court documents, Jada's legal team is pushing to strike Salaam's complaint entirely, arguing his allegations of threats and a 'retaliatory campaign' are false and uncorroborated. They claim Salaam is simply looking for a payday after making unsubstantiated claims about witnessing Will Smith in a sexual act with actor Duane Martin. Jada's team also accuses Salaam of illegally leaking a private cease and desist letter, which they say is protected under California law.

  • Salaam filed the $3 million lawsuit in December 2025.
  • Jada's motion to dismiss the lawsuit was filed on February 16, 2026.

The players

Jada Pinkett Smith

An American actress, producer, and businesswoman who is married to actor Will Smith.

Bilaal Salaam

Also known as Brother Bilaal, he is a former friend of Will Smith who filed a $3 million lawsuit against Jada Pinkett Smith.

Will Smith

An American actor, producer, and rapper who is married to Jada Pinkett Smith.

Duane Martin

An American actor who Salaam claimed he witnessed in a sexual act with Will Smith.

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What they’re saying

“Plaintiff voluntarily gave media interviews claiming – without evidence – that he personally witnessed her husband, actor Will Smith, engaging in sexual acts. Plaintiff's allegations were false, uncorroborated, and made to generate attention as part of an ongoing public campaign of harassment directed at Defendant and her family.”

— Jada Pinkett Smith's legal team (Court documents)

“That letter was not a public statement at all. It was classic pre-litigation activity – confidential legal correspondence sent by counsel in anticipation of litigation – and is independently protected under California law.”

— Jada Pinkett Smith's legal team (Court documents)

What’s next

The judge in the case will rule on whether to dismiss Salaam's lawsuit against Jada Pinkett Smith.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing legal battles and public disputes within the Smith family, as well as the use of California's anti-SLAPP statute to protect against frivolous lawsuits aimed at silencing public figures.