Despite a recently filed $3 million lawsuit against Jada Pinkett Smith, sources say that she and Will Smith remain a "committed team". The lawsuit, filed on December 1, 2025, by Bilaal Salaam, also known as Brother Bilaal, alleges that Jada threatened him during a confrontation in September 2021. Salaam, who has described himself as a close friend of Will Smith for nearly 40 years, claims the incident occurred in the lobby of the Regency Calabasas Commons hotel during Will's 53rd birthday celebration.
According to the complaint, Jada, accompanied by several members of her entourage, verbally threatened Salaam, warning him that he would "end up missing or catch a bullet" if he continued to reveal her "personal business". Salaam further alleges that Jada demanded he sign a non-disclosure agreement. The lawsuit also claims that Salaam faced retaliation after declining to assist with crisis management following the 2022 Oscars incident when Will Smith slapped Chris Rock. Salaam states he "refused to perform tasks he believed were illegal, unethical, or morally compromising".
Sources close to Will and Jada have dismissed the lawsuit as baseless and financially motivated. One insider told People that the couple is "really mad" and views the complaint as "a lot of crap". They believe Salaam is "an opportunistic person out to exploit" them and that the lawsuit is a "money ploy". Another source noted that Will and Jada are frustrated by individuals from their past "talking out of school," particularly when it becomes public and controversial.
Despite the legal battle, sources maintain that Will and Jada's relationship remains strong. One source told People that "they spend time together and time apart" and "have deep respect for each other and work together as well as sharing a family life". The insider added, "They are a committed team in their own way. They have put many years into this".
Will, 57, and Jada, 54, first met in the early 1990s and went public with their relationship in 1995. They married in December 1997. While they have publicly presented an image of marital stability, Jada revealed in October 2023 that they had been separated since 2016. Despite the separation, they remain legally married, and Jada has stated that she "made a promise that there will never be a reason for us to get a divorce".
In the years since their separation, Will and Jada have redefined their relationship, referring to themselves as "life partners". They have emphasized the importance of individual growth and maintaining a deep respect for one another. Publicly, they continue to support each other's endeavors and co-parent their children. The lawsuit brought by Bilaal Salaam adds another layer of complexity to the couple's already unconventional dynamic, but those close to them insist they are navigating the situation as a united front. Salaam is reportedly writing a "whistleblower memoir" about his experiences with the couple.
