Salaam Seeks Will Smith as Co-Defendant

Bilaal Salaam has moved to amend his $3 million emotional distress suit against Jada Pinkett Smith to name Will Smith as a co-defendant, alleging that Will personally affirmed or backed threats against Salaam during a 2021 call and related confrontations. The filing claims a pattern of intimidation linked to the couple’s circle, including comments after the 2022 Oscars incident involving Chris Rock and the couple’s efforts to suppress Salaam’s memoir discussions. Jada has denied wrongdoing and characterized Salaam’s allegations as a money grab, while a California judge previously allowed partial dismissal under anti-SLAPP and ordered the Smiths to respond to the latest motion within 30 days. The proposed amendment centers on a October 5, 2021 phone call in which Salaam says Jada threatened to have him killed and Will allegedly replied, indicating endorsement of the threat. Salaam also seeks relief over a separate $32,000 legal-fee award won by Jada and questions the ability to pay, with the judge’s decision on adding Will still pending. Coverage across outlets notes that this development expands the dispute beyond Jada to potentially involve both members of the Smith family.