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Jada Pinkett Smith is being sued by one of Will Smith's former associates for $3 million
Bilaal Salaam claims that in 2021, Pinkett Smith verbally threatened him while in a hotel lobby for Smith's birthday celebration
The complaint alleges that Pinkett Smith threatened he would "end up missing" or "catch a bullet" if he continued "telling her business"
Jada Pinkett Smithis being sued for $3 million by a former associate who claims she physically threatened him in 2021.
Bilaal Salaam (a.k.a. Brother Bilaal), who described himself as "a best friend" ofWill Smith's "for nearly 40 years," said he "worked closely" with the multi-hyphenate on several professional and personal projects, pointing out that Smith included photos of Salaam in the actor's memoirWill.
In a complaint obtained by PEOPLE on Monday, Dec. 1, Salaam alleges that Pinkett Smith confronted him in the lobby of the Regency Calabasas Commons on Sept. 25, 2021, while he was attending a private birthday celebration for Smith. The suit alleges that Pinkett Smith was accompanied by "approximately seven members of her entourage" during the confrontation.
Salaam's complaint claims that Pinkett Smith then "became verbally aggressive, and threatened Plaintiff by stating that if he continued 'telling her personal business,' " he would "'end up missing or catch a bullet.' "
He also alleges that Pinkett Smith "demanded" that he sign a nondisclosure agreement "or else," according to the filing.
After the alleged incident, Pinkett Smith's team followed Salaam to his car "while continuing to issue verbal threats," Salaam's complaint claims.
Six months later, in late March 2022, Salaam claims he refused a request from a mutual friend to assist with "crisis management" following theAcademy Awards. During the ceremony,Smith infamously slappedfellow actor/comedianChris Rockafter he made a joke about Pinkett Smith's shaved hair. The actress has been open abouther journey with alopecia.
"Plaintiff refused to perform tasks he believed were illegal, unethical, or morally compromising, stating his conscience would not allow him to be involved in any cover-up or deceptive PR campaign," Salaam's filing alleges.
Salaam claims that after he refused, he soon began getting threats from Smith and Pinkett Smith's circle and was the target of a "retaliatory campaign" that was "launched against him." He further alleges that he faced further threats after it was discovered that he was writing a "whistleblower memoir" about his time with the Smiths. The smear campaign heightened after Salaam did an interview that "went viral," he claims.
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In a 2023 sit-down withUnwineWith Tasha K, Salaamalleged that he walked in on Smith engaging in a sexual act with actor Duane Martin.
"Rather than pursue legal recourse or report actual crimes, Defendant intentionally and maliciously engaged in a smear campaign through nationally broadcast interviews," Salaam's lawsuit alleges.
Appearing onThe Breakfast Club, Pinkett Smith laughed off the claim shortly after. ""Let me just say this," she told host Charlamagne tha God. "It's ridiculous, right? And it's nonsense."
Salaam is suing for intentional infliction of emotional distress, claiming that Pinkett Smith said during an interview thatSalaam was trying to "shake down" her and Smith.
In his complaint, Salaam also called out Pinkett Smith's statement toTMZ, in which she said that the couple would pursue legal action in response to Salaam's claims.
"Defendant never filed a lawsuit," Salaam alleges. "The statement was false, reckless, and made with malicious intent to manipulate public opinion and damage Plaintiff's character."
Salaam's complaint claims that due to Pinkett Smith's alleged actions, including alleged attempts by the actress and "her emissaries" to "bribe, intimidate and suppress" him, Salaam has suffered damages like financial loss, reputational harm, emotional drama, physical health issues and "the complete derailment of his personal life and career."
Salaam is seeking $3 million in financial damages.
PEOPLE reached out to representatives for Pinkett Smith, Smith, and Duane Martin for comment.
Read the original article onPeople
