Jada Pinkett Smith has asked a California judge to order an independent medical evaluation for Bilaal Salaam, a man suing her for alleged threats and intentional infliction of emotional distress following the 94th Academy Awards. Salaam is seeking $3 million in damages.
Jada Pinkett Smith Seeks Psychiatric Examination for Salaam
Attorneys for Jada Pinkett Smith filed court papers ahead of a Nov. 9 hearing before Judge Eric Harmon in Van Nuys Superior Court, requesting an independent psychological examination for plaintiff Bilaal Salaam. The proposed five-to-six-hour evaluation would be conducted by psychiatrist Dr. Christopher R. Thompson at his Wilshire Boulevard office on Feb. 11.
Legal representatives for Pinkett Smith argue that Salaam has placed his mental condition squarely at the center of the ongoing civil action by filing a lawsuit centered on intentional infliction of emotional distress. According to court filings, Salaam contends that the alleged conduct caused him severe psychological harm, high blood pressure, and Type 2 diabetes. Court papers state that he also claimed the sustained fear forced him to live in four foreign countries for 18 months, separated him from his children, and caused him to lose a long-term romantic relationship alongside gaining about 100 pounds.
Court documents indicate that Salaam is representing himself in the proceedings and has stated he possesses no documentation verifying his physical and mental injuries, relying entirely on his own testimony. Pinkett Smith’s legal team argues that an independent examination is necessary to give her a fair opportunity to test those claims through a qualified professional.
Origins of the Van Nuys Superior Court Lawsuit
The underlying litigation stems from fallout following the 94th Academy Awards, where Will Smith slapped Chris Rock onstage. Salaam alleges that Pinkett Smith became upset when he declined to assist with crisis management in the wake of the broadcast incident.
He previously claimed in his suit that he was threatened at Will’s 2021 birthday party, where he alleged he was told that continuing to discuss personal business would result in him ending up missing or catching a bullet.
A judge pared down the original complaint on April 13 by partially granting an anti-SLAPP motion filed by Pinkett Smith. The surviving claims focus strictly on allegations that Pinkett Smith utilized intermediaries to coerce, threaten, and intimidate Salaam.
Salaam Seeks Fee Reduction After Court Awards Pinkett Smith
While fighting the claims, Pinkett Smith successfully secured a $32,836 legal fee award from the court. Salaam subsequently told the court he is certified homeless, relies on welfare benefits, and cannot afford a lump-sum payment.
Court documents show that Salaam requested either a fee reduction or a structured payment arrangement to satisfy the debt. He is also attempting to add Will Smith as a co-defendant in the ongoing legal battle.
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