Jada Pinkett Smith secured a legal win after a Los Angeles judge ordered Will Smith’s former friend to pay more than $32,000 in legal fees. The ruling comes from a dispute tied to a dismissed lawsuit involving serious allegations and courtroom filings.
A judge issued the decision on May 18, ordering Bilaal Salaam to pay $32,836 in attorney costs and legal expenses. Pinkett Smith originally asked for about $49,000 in fees after challenging his lawsuit in court.
The court reduced the amount after reviewing billing records. The judge said some legal work reflected excessive billing and high hourly rates. However, the court still ruled in Pinkett Smith’s favor.
Salaam tried to lower the payment. He claimed financial hardship during the hearing. The judge rejected that request because he raised it too late in the process. The court still considered part of his argument and applied a partial reduction based on limited success in the case.
Lawsuit stems from 2021 claims
The legal dispute began in December 2025. Salaam filed a $3 million lawsuit against Pinkett Smith. He accused her of threatening him during an encounter in 2021.
Pinkett Smith denied the allegations. She called the claims false and pushed for the case to be dismissed under California’s anti-SLAPP law. That law protects people from lawsuits that target legal activity or free speech.
Court filings show the dispute also involved a cease-and-desist letter. Pinkett Smith’s legal team argued the letter was confidential and part of pre-litigation activity. The court agreed and treated it as protected communication.
Judge trims fee request but sides with Pinkett Smith
Pinkett Smith initially sought nearly $49,000 in legal fees. The court lowered the amount after reviewing time records. The judge said some billing entries lacked efficiency given the lawyers’ experience.
Even with the reduction, the court confirmed her partial victory in the case. It allowed her to recover legal costs from Salaam.
Case remains ongoing
The lawsuit is not fully resolved. A new hearing is set for August 19, 2026. The court previously denied Salaam’s request for a full trial at this stage.
Pinkett Smith’s legal team has rejected the claims throughout the case. They described the allegations as unfounded. Salaam continues to pursue his lawsuit despite earlier rulings against parts of his complaint.
For now, Pinkett Smith holds a procedural win. She also shifts part of the legal cost to her opponent while narrowing the scope of the case moving forward.
Source: PEOPLE
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