Jada Pinkett Smith Refuses Deposition in Alleged Threats Case

Will Smith's former friend, Bilaal Salaam, is pushing for a court-ordered deposition of Jada Pinkett Smith in a lawsuit where he claims the actress threatened him through third parties. According to court documents obtained by TMZ, Salaam is asking a judge to compel Jada to appear for questioning within 30 days.

Salaam alleges he scheduled a deposition date for May 20, but Jada did not show up. He wants to ask her about communications she had regarding him and any instructions she gave to authorize threats against him. The conflict, according to Salaam, began after he refused to help Will Smith clean up the mess following the Oscars slap incident with Chris Rock.

Salaam also claims Jada became upset after learning he planned to write a memoir about the Smith family. He says she then orchestrated threats via third parties. Jada has denied all allegations and previously succeeded in getting most of the lawsuit dismissed.

Jada's legal team argues that she has already given a deposition in a separate lawsuit filed by Salaam, and since this case covers similar issues, any additional questioning should be limited to one hour. A judge has yet to rule on the motion.

The case has drawn public interest as it involves one of Hollywood's most famous couples. After the Oscars slap scandal, Will Smith was banned from the Academy for 10 years, and his friendships with some, including Salaam, soured. The outcome of this legal battle could shed light on behind-the-scenes dramas surrounding the star.