Will Smith’s former friend, Bilaal Salaam, is actively seeking to depose Will Smith as part of an ongoing $3 million lawsuit against Jada Pinkett Smith. According to legal documents obtained by TMZ, Salaam requested the deposition in an email to Pinkett Smith’s legal counsel, though her team has formally rejected the proposal, noting that Will Smith is not a party to the litigation.
The Legal Push to Depose Will Smith
The conflict centers on a motion filed by Jada Pinkett Smith, which includes an email exchange between her legal team and Salaam. On July 7, Salaam formally requested that Will Smith be deposed regarding the events at the heart of the lawsuit. Pinkett Smith’s attorneys responded swiftly, stating, “As for your proposed deposition of Will Smith, there is nothing to meet and confer about.”
Her counsel maintains that because Will Smith is not a party to the current litigation, he is not subject to the same discovery requirements as the named defendant. Furthermore, legal representatives for Pinkett Smith confirmed that no subpoena has been issued to Will Smith, placing a significant procedural barrier between Salaam and his requested testimony.
Did you know?
In civil litigation, a “meet and confer” is a mandatory process where opposing parties must attempt to resolve discovery disputes before involving a judge. By declaring there is “nothing to meet and confer about,” Pinkett Smith’s team is signaling their intent to block the deposition entirely.
Background of the $3 Million Lawsuit
The underlying dispute stems from allegations made by Salaam, who claims he was threatened by people associated with Pinkett Smith. Salaam alleges these threats began after he refused to assist in managing public relations fallout following the Oscars slap involving Will Smith. He also claims the hostility intensified after Pinkett Smith learned he was writing a memoir that would include details about the Smith family.
Pinkett Smith has consistently denied all allegations of wrongdoing. The case has seen prior rulings, with a judge dismissing several of Salaam’s claims and ordering him to pay over $30,000 in legal fees to Pinkett Smith. Despite these setbacks, the litigation remains active.
Current Evidentiary Disputes
The request to depose Will Smith appears alongside a broader motion from Pinkett Smith’s team, which seeks to compel Salaam to produce outstanding evidence. Specifically, her lawyers are requesting medical records they argue are essential to the case, given that Salaam is seeking damages based on claims of emotional distress.
The court’s decision on the motion to compel may clarify how much leeway Salaam has to pursue discovery regarding the Smith family. For now, the legal battle remains focused on whether Salaam can substantiate his claims of emotional harm and whether he can force the involvement of high-profile figures outside the scope of the original complaint.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Bilaal Salaam want to depose Will Smith?
Salaam is seeking to depose Will Smith as part of his $3 million lawsuit against Jada Pinkett Smith, likely to gather testimony regarding the events he claims led to his alleged harassment.
Is Will Smith currently a defendant in this case?
No. According to legal documents, Jada Pinkett Smith’s attorneys have stated that Will Smith is not a party to the litigation and has not been served with a subpoena.
What is the current status of the lawsuit?
The case is ongoing. While a judge previously dismissed some of Salaam’s claims and ordered him to pay $30,000 in legal fees to Pinkett Smith, other parts of the lawsuit are still moving through the court system.
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