A judge in Los Angeles denied a request Tuesday for a permanent restraining order against Jada Pinkett Smith, court records show.
The petitioner, who identifies himself as a former close associate of Will Smith, told the court he feared for his safety. The judge found his evidence insufficient, and the petition was dismissed after testimony from both sides.
Salaam filed a separate civil complaint seeking $3 million in damages. He alleges threats and a pattern of retaliation tied to statements he made about the Smith family. In his complaint, he says he was told he would “end up missing or catch a bullet” after he publicly discussed private matters. Those claims are detailed in news reports and court filings.
Jada’s response and legal move
Jada Pinkett Smith has denied the claims. Her lawyers filed a motion asking the court to dismiss the $3 million lawsuit. They argue the suit lacks merit and is protected speech in many parts. Jada’s legal team also called parts of the case “nonsense” in filings and local reports.
At the hearing, both parties testified. The judge concluded the petitioner did not meet the legal standard for a permanent protective order. The court said the record lacked proof of an imminent threat or pattern of intimidation. The petition was therefore denied, and the restraining order request was thrown out.
The dismissal of the restraining order request does not end the civil case. Salaam’s $3 million claim remains active while motions proceed. Jada’s motion to dismiss seeks to end the lawsuit. If the judge denies that motion, the matter could move toward discovery and trial.
The dispute grew from public allegations the petitioner made on a podcast and in public interviews. The claims intersect with long-running public scrutiny of the Smith family. Legal experts say the denial of a restraining order is not uncommon when courts find the evidence thin. They note civil claims and restraining orders use different legal standards.
A judge has yet to rule on the motion to dismiss the monetary suit. Court calendars list further filings and possible hearings in the months ahead. Attorneys for both sides did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Protective orders require proof of a credible, immediate risk. Civil claims only require plausible harm. The two standards often lead to different outcomes. The restraining order denial highlights that difference.
If the lawsuit survives the motion to dismiss, both sides would enter discovery. That process can unearth additional evidence. It could also prompt settlement talks. For now, the judge’s ruling keeps Jada Pinkett Smith from being legally barred from approaching the petitioner.