Will Smith's former friend Bilaal Salaam is asking a judge to revisit an order requiring him to pay more than $32,000 in Jada Pinkett Smith's legal fees, saying he is broke, receiving public assistance and homeless.
According to court documents obtained by TMZ, Salaam filed a request for reconsideration after Pinkett Smith won attorney’s fees tied to the dismissal of his emotional distress claims against her. He is not arguing that the court invented the bill out of thin air. His argument is simpler: he says he cannot pay it.
Why Bilaal Salaam says he cannot pay
In the filing, Salaam says he is “certified homeless” and receives welfare benefits. On that basis, he asked the court to either sharply reduce the amount he owes or create some kind of payment plan.
That is the practical fight now before the court. Pinkett Smith secured a fee award of more than $32,000 after convincing the judge to dismiss Salaam’s emotional distress claims. Salaam acknowledges the fee order exists, but says the current amount is beyond his means.
For anyone keeping score at home, “I owe it, but I cannot pay it” is not the same as “I do not owe it.” Courts tend to notice that distinction.
