Will Smith‘s former friend continues to look for different ways to stir up heat against Jada Pinkett Smith.
Bilaal Salaam has dragged the actress to court once again, but this time with claims that their fiasco caused him a great deal of distress, resulting in weight gain. He previously filed a protective order petition against the Hollywood icon, which did not hold grounds in court.
Will Smith’s relationship dynamics with Jada Pinkett Smith have been one for the books. The pair, although separating since 2016, are yet to make their split official, maintaining that they still have affection for each other.
Will Smith’s Former Friend Ups His Legal Battle Against Jada Pinkett Smith
Salaam’s unique claims against Jada made headlines after court documents were released showing his current allegations. He alleged that he gained a lot of weight and even had to flee the country for a while as he had been receiving threats from the actress’s family and friends.
The documents stated that due to their widely reported drama, he suffered severe emotional distress, which in turn led to weight gain and ultimately cost him a romantic relationship. In fear for his safety, Salaam claims that he had to leave U.S soil temporarily.
TMZ reported that he is suing the “Girls Trip” star for $3 million, citing claims that, after members of the Smith clan learned about a memoir he is writing, which may include information about Will, they threatened him. Salaam further claims that Jada publicly called him out after he refused to support his former pal at the 2022 Oscars.
Jada Insists That All The Accusations Are ‘False and Uncorroborated’
The actress fired back at Salaam’s narrative, maintaining that he has no proof to support his claims. According to the legal documents, Jada states that her husband’s ex-pal has not provided any evidence connecting her as the source of the emotional distress he claims to have suffered.
She explained that tying his relationship loss, move from the country, and weight gain to that distress by simply declaring an existing connection with his words does not count as evidence. The documents show that Jada further states that to support a claim of severe emotional distress, Salaam’s words need to be backed up by medical records and other third-party proof.
Ultimately, in her defense, she stressed that she never mentioned Will’s former friend’s name when making comments to the media, adding that Salaam’s claims are “false, uncorroborated and made to generate attention as part of an ongoing public campaign of harassment directed at” her family.
Inside Salaam’s Failed Attempt At Obtaining A Restraining Order
Jada is asking the court to throw out Salaam’s case yet again, just like his petition for a restraining order against her was thrown out. The judge found the reasons for his request insufficient and ultimately did not rule in his favor.
The Blast reports that both parties testified in court prior to the judge’s ruling, which read that Salaam could not be granted a permanent restraining order stopping the talk show host from coming within 100 yards of him. He, however, alleged that the harassment and threats he has received from the Defendant have left him with anxiety, extreme stress, and feeling humiliated.
Furthermore, Salaam claims he suffers from depression, sleeplessness, and constant fear. Last month, Jada also requested that the court dismiss Salaam’s entire case, arguing that his allegations conflicted with California’s anti-SLAPP statute. The statute provides a procedure for dismissal at an early age, even when false claims arose from protected activity.
The Famous Couple Recently Stepped Out With Gleaming Smiles
Jada and Will have been open about their relationship status since their separation in 2016. They have yet to initiate the divorce process despite living apart for almost a decade, and they still show care and support for one another.
Although the pair have not been spotted in public since last September, in California, they appeared to put their differences aside in support of their son Jaden. The Hollywood stars stepped out with broad smiles, posing for pictures together at this year’s Paris Fashion Week. The Blast reported that Jaden was featured as he unveiled his first collection for Christian Louboutin as the Men’s Creative Director.
Reportedly, Jada and Will were cordial at the event, rocking stunning all-black outfits and flashing peace signs for the paparazzi. Their last sighting together, four months before attending Paris Fashion Week in January, was at Nobu, California.
Is Will Smith And Jada Pinkett Smith On The Pathway To Divorce?
Rumors are swirling that the famous couple may be moving towards making their separation legal. They have maintained over the years that they have affection and unconditional love for each other, emphasizing that, irrespective of their marital status, they are life partners.
A demonstration of this love was at the Oscars, where Will slapped Chris Rock after he made a joke about Jada. Currently, media outlets are raising whispers that the end is in sight for the lovers. Tribune notes that neither Will nor Jada has confirmed the speculations. There have also been no credible reports from major entertainment outlets supporting the narrative.
The topic of divorce, tied to the famous couple’s names, resurfaced after a social media post drew attention from millions of internet users. As it stands, their marriage, which began in 1997, remains legal and undissolved, but they continue to lead separate lives, unlike most conventional couples.