AceShowbiz - Bilaal Salaam is currently certified homeless and receiving welfare benefits while owing more than $32,000 in attorney fees to Jada Pinkett Smith following a court decision, AllHipHop reports. The legal ruling came after Salaam’s lawsuit against Pinkett Smith was dismissed, with the court ordering him to cover her legal expenses.

Seattletimes also detailed that Jada Pinkett Smith has sought a court order requiring Salaam, a former close friend of Will Smith, to pay nearly $50,000 in legal fees tied to her successful motion to dismiss his claims. Latimes further explained that Salaam, who sued Pinkett Smith in December 2023 for $3 million citing emotional distress, had his case rejected due to insufficient medical evidence backing his claims. The judge criticized Salaam’s case for relying mainly on unsubstantiated emotional distress allegations. Moreover, Latimes noted Salaam’s request for the judge to either reduce the fees owed or arrange a payment plan because of his dire financial situation.

Will Smith, best known for his role on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and numerous film credits including Made in America, Bad Boys, and Men in Black, has been indirectly involved in this ongoing conflict. Salaam, who was once Will Smith’s closest friend for 40 years, filed the suit after refusing to assist with the fallout from the infamous Oscars incident involving Smith and Chris Rock. Salaam accused Pinkett Smith of threatening him with violence if he continued disclosing private family information, allegations she vehemently denied. Jada Pinkett Smith had also filed an anti-SLAPP motion that resulted in the dismissal of related media statements and claims.

This development highlights Salaam’s precarious financial and legal standing following the court’s ruling against him, underscoring the serious consequences of his failed lawsuit and public accusations. His current homelessness and welfare dependence contrast sharply with the substantial fees he has been ordered to pay, marking a significant downturn in his circumstances.

This article is based on reporting originally published by AllHipHop.