Actor Will Smith is the subject of a legal request to provide testimony in a lawsuit filed against his wife, Jada Pinkett Smith. According to court documents reviewed by Page Six, the plaintiff, Bilaal Salaam, filed a motion on July 7, 2025, seeking to compel the actor to sit for a deposition regarding an alleged 2021 confrontation.
The Legal Conflict and Deposition Request
Bilaal Salaam, who describes himself as a former friend of Will Smith, alleges that Jada Pinkett Smith approached him with a group of people at the Regency Calabasas Common in September 2021. In his court filing, Salaam claims the actress became “verbally aggressive” and threatened him, allegedly warning that he would “disappear” or be shot if he continued to discuss her private life. He further claims she demanded he sign a non-disclosure agreement during this encounter.
Salaam’s legal effort to involve Will Smith in the proceedings follows the November 2025 filing of his lawsuit. While a previous attempt by Salaam to move the case to trial was rejected, the court has scheduled a hearing for August 19 involving both Salaam and Pinkett Smith.
Defense Position on Will Smith’s Involvement
Legal counsel for Jada Pinkett Smith has pushed back against the motion to compel Will Smith’s testimony. In documents cited by Page Six, her team stated there is “nothing to discuss” regarding the actor, as he is not a named party in the lawsuit and has not been formally served with a subpoena.
The defense further argued that should Salaam persist in seeking Smith’s testimony, he must adhere to formal legal procedures required for gathering evidence from non-parties. Pinkett Smith’s team has also requested that the court compel Salaam to produce medical records documenting the emotional distress he allegedly suffered, as well as any recorded communications he claims to have with witnesses of the 2021 incident.
Did you know?
In February 2025, Jada Pinkett Smith formally requested that Salaam cover her legal fees, characterizing his claims as “false, unsupported, and intended to attract attention.”
Allegations of a “Campaign of Revenge”
The lawsuit contains claims that a “campaign of revenge” was launched against Salaam after he declined to assist with crisis management following the 2022 Academy Awards. During that ceremony, Will Smith struck comedian Chris Rock on stage after Rock made a joke about Jada Pinkett Smith. Salaam alleges that his refusal to participate in the subsequent public relations efforts triggered the hostility he claims to have faced from the couple.
Pinkett Smith has consistently denied these allegations, noting in previous filings that Salaam appeared “fixed” on her family and that he failed to even mention her name during the alleged 2021 encounter at the birthday celebration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Will Smith currently a defendant in this lawsuit?
No. According to Jada Pinkett Smith’s legal team, Will Smith is not a party to the case and has not been served with a subpoena.
What is the status of the lawsuit?
While an initial request for a trial was denied, the court has scheduled a hearing for August 19, 2025, to address the ongoing dispute between Salaam and Pinkett Smith.
What evidence has the plaintiff provided?
The defense argues that Salaam has not provided evidence to support his claims. They are currently seeking the production of medical records and communication logs to verify his allegations of distress and threats.
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