Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith are legally married, although they have been publicly acknowledging their separation for years and have been making headlines for their personal and legal troubles. The couple’s marriage has recently come under renewed scrutiny after a Los Angeles judge dismissed a restraining order filed against Pinkett Smith by Will Smith’s alleged boyfriend Bilal Salam, TMZ reported on February 26, 2026.
The ruling adds another chapter to the long-running investigation surrounding the Smith couple’s relationship and personal lives. While there have been legal disputes with their partners, neither Will nor Jada have filed for divorce. Their relationship has been described as unconventional but enduring. Legal developments, including the denial of the restraining order and the widening spotlight surrounding their lives and marriage, have raised questions about their marital status.
Judge denies restraining order sought by alleged friend of Karate Kid actor against Pinkett Smith
According to TMZ, a Los Angeles judge has dismissed Bilal Salam’s request for a restraining order against Jada Pinkett Smith, following testimony from both sides. The judge ruled that Salam did not provide sufficient evidence to justify a permanent restraining order requiring Pinkett Smith to stay at least 100 yards away from him.
Salam alleged in court documents that Pinkett Smith’s behavior has caused her emotional and psychological harm. She claims that her alleged harassment has caused her to experience “severe stress, anxiety, humiliation, and fear for her safety,” and that she has been out of the United States for nearly two years due to safety concerns, according to TMZ.
The dispute is part of a larger legal battle Salam is waging against Pinkett Smith. She is suing Pinkett Smith for $3 million, alleging that she has previously made public comments about him and confronted him at a private party. Salam claims that Pinkett Smith threatened to stop her from speaking publicly about her family, according to court documents, the allegations are part of an ongoing lawsuit.
The judge’s decision effectively ends Salam’s restraining order but does not resolve a separate civil case, which is still pending. The case has drawn attention because Salam claims she has a personal relationship with Will Smith, although court filings describe her exact relationship with the actor as disputed.
However, Pinkett Smith publicly confirmed that the couple had separated in 2016, clarifying that the split was not a legal divorce. In an interview in October 2023, she explained that the couple had reached a point where they were “tired of trying,” but stressed their commitment to being in each other’s lives.
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“We’re still figuring it out,” Pinkett Smith told People, describing their relationship as one defined by constant effort and a deep emotional connection. She promised that there would be no reason for them to officially divorce. Will Smith has spoken about their bond, referring to Pinkett Smith as a lifelong partner and emphasizing their eternal connection. Over the years, the couple has repeatedly described their relationship as unconventional, prioritizing personal growth and mutual support over traditional marital expectations.