Jada Pinkett Smith awarded legal fees in her dispute with Bilaal Salaam, a man described by media outlets as an alleged former friend of Will Smith, after a Los Angeles County Superior Court judge reduced the amount she requested.
According to court documents obtained by media outlets, the judge ordered Salaam to pay Pinkett Smith $32,836 in attorney fees. She had asked for $49,181, so yes, even courtroom invoices apparently get edited.
What the judge awarded
Media outlets report that the fee award came after Pinkett Smith persuaded the judge to dismiss some of Salaam’s claims in the case. The court did not grant the full amount she sought, but the five-figure award still leaves Salaam responsible for a significant portion of her legal costs.
Pinkett Smith, known for hosting Red Table Talk, denied wrongdoing in the lawsuit. She also denied that Salaam suffered damages from the conduct he alleged.
What Bilaal Salaam claimed in the lawsuit
Salaam sued Pinkett Smith, alleging emotional distress tied to threats he claimed were made by her and her associates. His claims, as reported by media outlets, center on the period after Will Smith slapped Chris Rock during the 2022 Oscars.
