Sheree Zampino Files $1 Million Slander Suit Against Bilaal Salaam Over Alleged Sexual Defamation

Sheree Zampino, Will Smith’s former wife (married 1992-1995), has filed a civil complaint in Los Angeles County Superior Court accusing former friend and self-styled commentator Bilaal Salaam of slander. The suit alleges that Salaam, during a May 4, 2026 appearance on the “Unwine with Tasha K” podcast, repeatedly called Zampino a “whore” and claimed she was “screwing everybody in Hollywood.” Zampino contends the statements constitute slander per se under California law because they impute promiscuous sexual conduct. She seeks more than $1 million in compensatory damages, legal fees, and punitive damages for humiliation, emotional distress, and mental anguish.

ComplexTMZ

Salaam was once a personal acquaintance of Will Smith but has publicly targeted the actor and his family for several years. Earlier in December 2025, he sued Jada Pinkett Smith, alleging threats during a 2021 encounter at the Regency Calabasas Commons hotel. A Los Angeles judge later ordered Salaam to pay Smith over $32,000 in legal fees after his $3 million suit was dismissed. The current complaint follows that judgment and reflects an ongoing pattern of confrontations between Salaam and members of the Smith household.

Complex

• 1992-1995: Zampino married Will Smith.

Complex

• 2021: Alleged confrontation between Salaam and Jada Pinkett Smith at Regency Calabasas Commons.

Complex

• December 2025: Salaam files $3 million lawsuit against Jada Pinkett Smith.

Complex

• Early 2026: Judge orders Salaam to pay $32,000 in fees to Jada Pinkett Smith.

Complex

• May 4, 2026: Salaam appears on “Unwine with Tasha K,” makes alleged defamatory remarks about Zampino.

Complex

• May 28, 2026: Zampino’s lawsuit against Salaam is filed, publicized by TMZ and Complex.

Complex

• Sheree Zampino: Actress, former spouse of Will Smith, plaintiff.

TMZ

• Bilaal Salaam: Former friend of Will Smith, self-identified commentator, defendant.

TMZ

• Will Smith: Actor, former husband of Zampino, not a party to the suit.

Complex

• Jada Pinkett Smith: Actress, former plaintiff in a separate case against Salaam.

Complex

• Tasha K: Host of the “Unwine with Tasha K” series where the alleged statements were made.

Complex

• Slander per se: Zampino alleges false statements imputing promiscuous conduct.

TMZ

• Compensatory damages: Sought in excess of $1 million for emotional and reputational harm.

Complex

• Punitive damages and legal costs: Additional relief requested but not quantified in the filing.

Complex

• Prior financial judgment: Salaam previously ordered to pay $32,000 to Jada Pinkett Smith.

Complex

The case underscores California’s strict slander-per-se standards, which do not require proof of actual malice when statements allege sexual misconduct. A ruling in Zampino’s favor could reinforce legal protections for public figures against defamatory sexual accusations, while also highlighting the tension between defamation law and free-speech claims in celebrity-focused media.

Complex

Zampino’s filing characterizes Salaam’s remarks as “outrageously offensive, shocking, and hurtful,” asserting they are false and have caused severe emotional distress. The complaint frames the alleged comments as actionable slander under California statutes and requests the court to award damages for humiliation, embarrassment, and mental anguish. No response from Salaam’s legal representation is included in the source material.

Complex

• “She’s a whore.” — Bilaal Salaam, interview on “Unwine with Tasha K.”

TMZ

• “She’s screwing everybody in Hollywood.” — Bilaal Salaam, interview on “Unwine with Tasha K.”

TMZ

• “Sleeping with everyone in Hollywood!!!” — Caption accompanying the promotional clip of the interview.

TMZ

• “Outrageously offensive, shocking, and hurtful statements.” — Language used in Zampino’s lawsuit to describe Salaam’s remarks.

Complex

The promotional clip cited by Zampino has been removed from social platforms, limiting independent verification of the exact wording. While both source articles describe the same alleged statements, no direct transcript from the full interview is provided, leaving a gap in the evidentiary record.

Complex

The lawsuit is pending; a court schedule for motions, discovery, or a trial has not been disclosed. Both parties are expected to exchange evidence regarding the interview content and the alleged damages. The outcome may influence future defamation actions involving celebrity-related commentary.

Complex