A California judge ordered Bilaal Salaam, a former associate of Will Smith, to pay $48,975 in legal fees to Jada Pinkett Smith after dismissing parts of his emotional distress lawsuit against her on Thursday. 

Salaam filed a $3 million lawsuit in December 2025. He accused Pinkett Smith and members of her circle of threats and intimidation that caused serious emotional and personal harm.

Why did court dismiss key claims?

The judge ruled that Salaam failed to provide proof to support his claims. Pinkett Smith’s legal team said that the allegations lacked proper documentation, such as medical records or professional reports. The court agreed with this position and said the evidence did not meet the legal standard required to proceed with emotional distress claims, reported Rolling Out.

Her lawyers also asked the court to make Salaam pay for the legal costs linked to defending those claims. The judge accepted that request and ordered him to cover $48,975 in fees. 

Other claims

Some claims in the $3 million case remain under review in the California court system. Legal observers said the latest ruling weakens Salaam’s position and may push him toward a possible settlement, reported Rolling Out.

Salaam’s complaint links back to incidents after the 2022 Academy Awards involving Will Smith and Chris Rock. He claimed he worked with Smith on managing public image after the incident. According to him, tensions grew when he began writing a memoir that included personal details about the family.

He alleged that Pinkett Smith and others tried to stop him from sharing that information. He claimed they issued threats and pressured him to sign a non-disclosure agreement. He also said the situation affected his personal life, forced him to leave the country and caused health issues.

Pinkett Smith denied all allegations. She described the lawsuit as an attempt to gain attention rather than a genuine legal claim. Her legal team argued that Salaam failed to provide any solid proof of harm or coercion.

Earlier, in February 2026, the court also denied Salaam’s request for a restraining order against Pinkett Smith. The judge said there were not enough grounds to grant such protection.