Full Breakdown
Will Smith’s Potential Deposition in Jada Pinkett Smith’s $3 Million Lawsuit
7/18/2026, 8:56:36 PM
Core Event
Former friend Bilaal Salaam has formally asked Oscar-winner Will Smith to sit for a deposition in the civil case he filed against Jada Pinkett Smith. The request, submitted in an email dated July 7, 2026, seeks the actor’s sworn testimony about events that underpin Salaam’s $3 million claim of defamation and emotional distress.
Background & Context
Salaam, also known as “Brother Bilaal,” sued Jada Pinkett Smith in December 2025, alleging she threatened him during a September 2021 confrontation at the Regency Calabasas Commons and later launched a smear campaign after he refused to aid her following Will Smith’s 2022 Oscars slap. Pinkett Smith denied all allegations and filed an anti-SLAPP motion to dismiss portions of the suit. In May 2026 a judge ordered Salaam to pay nearly $33,000 toward Pinkett Smith’s legal fees, a procedural win for the actress. Separately, Will Smith’s ex-wife Sheree Zampino has sued Salaam for $1 million, accusing him of slander and intentional infliction of emotional distress.
Timeline
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| September 2021 | Alleged threatening encounter at Regency Calabasas Commons. |
| December 2025 | Salaam files $3 million lawsuit against Jada Pinkett Smith. |
| May 2026 | Court orders Salaam to pay ~\$33,000 in fees to Pinkett Smith. |
| July 7, 2026 | Salaam’s counsel emails Pinkett Smith’s lawyers requesting Will Smith’s deposition. |
| July 15, 2026 | Pinkett Smith’s attorney replies, stating there is “nothing to meet and confer about.” |
| August 19, 2026 | Scheduled hearing on discovery disputes and motions. |
Data & Statistics
- Damages sought: \$3 million (Salaam).
- Legal fees awarded to Pinkett Smith: ~\$33,000 (May 2026 order).
- Additional suit: Sheree Zampino seeks \$1 million from Salaam.
- Ages: Bilaal Salaam, 56; Will Smith, 57; Jada Pinkett Smith, 54.
Official Statements & Responses
Pinkett Smith’s legal team maintains that Will Smith is not a party to the litigation and therefore cannot be compelled to testify without a subpoena. The attorneys argue that any attempt to depose a non-party must follow standard discovery procedures, which have not been satisfied. They also contend that Salaam has failed to produce the audio recordings and medical records that would substantiate his claims, prompting a motion to compel further evidence.
Criticism & Opposition
Salaam, representing himself, asserts that Pinkett Smith threatened him in 2021 and that her subsequent actions damaged his reputation. He argues that Will Smith’s testimony could clarify the conversations and events surrounding the alleged threats and the later fallout after the 2022 Oscars incident.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
All available reports agree that no subpoena has been served on Will Smith and that his deposition has not been ordered. However, the parties have not disclosed whether Salaam will pursue a formal subpoena, and neither Will Smith nor Jada Pinkett Smith has issued a public comment on the latest filing, leaving their personal positions unrecorded.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Mr. Smith is not a party to this litigation,” — Jada Pinkett Smith’s attorney
- “As for your proposed deposition of Will Smith, there is nothing to meet and confer about.” — Jada Pinkett Smith’s attorney
- “To the extent you seek his deposition, you must comply with the applicable procedures for obtaining discovery from a nonparty. As far as we are aware, no subpoena has been served on Mr. Smith.” — Jada Pinkett Smith’s attorney
- “The recordings concern the very telephone calls on which [Salaam] bases his claims, and the medical records concern the injuries for which [Salaam] seeks at least $3 million in damages,” — Jada Pinkett Smith’s lawyers
What’s Next
The court will address the pending discovery disputes, including Salaam’s request for Will Smith’s deposition, at the August 19, 2026 hearing. No ruling on a subpoena has been issued, leaving the possibility of a future order open.
