Will Smith’s ex-friend Bilaal Salaam continues to push back against Jada Pinkett Smith despite owing Jada $32K in legal fees.
According to court documents, Salaam is asking the judge to order Jada to appear for the deposition within 30 days.
Bilaal Salaam says Jada Pinkett Smith’s testimony is essential as their legal battle over alleged threats continues in court
According to TMZ, Salaam had previously asked Jada to appear for a deposition on May 20, which the former refused. His latest demand for Jada’s appearance within a month stems from his desire to question her about alleged communications concerning him and whether she authorized anyone to threaten him.
The deposition would require Jada to answer questions under oath as part of the discovery process. According to Complex, the dispute arises from Salaam’s lawsuit that claims that Jada became upset after Salaam refused to do some crisis management following the 94th Academy Awards incident when Smith slapped Chris Rock onstage. He further alleges that he received threats after Jada learned that he planned to publish a memoir detailing controversies surrounding the Smith family.
Complex notes that Jada has denied the allegations and that earlier this year, a judge dismissed much of Salaam’s lawsuit after granting significant portions of her anti-SLAPP motion. The court also ordered Salaam to pay Jada $32,836 in attorney fees. The outlet further reports that Salaam later told the court he was unable to pay the judgment, claiming he is “certified homeless” and requesting either a reduced amount or a payment plan.
Salaam maintains that Jada’s testimony is essential to proving his remaining claims. However, Jada’s legal team argues she has already been deposed in a separate lawsuit filed by Salaam involving many of the same issues and contends that any additional questioning should be limited to one hour.
A judge has yet to rule on Salaam’s latest request to compel Jada’s deposition.
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