Judge dismisses sexual harassment case against Will Smith
A judge has dismissed a lawsuit against Will Smith filed by his former violinist, who claimed that he was unfairly fired after reporting sexual harassment during his 2025 tour.
According to USA Today, Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Michael Shultz issued a ruling that granted Smith and his company, Treyball Studios Management, dismissal of Brian King Joseph’s lawsuit for lack of legal basis.
The suit, filed at the very end of last year, accused the King Richard actor of “predatory behavior” and “deliberately grooming and priming Mr. Joseph for further sexual exploitation.”
While on Smith’s Based on a True Story: 2025 Tour, Joseph alleged in the lawsuit that he made it back to his Las Vegas hotel room and found a handwritten note addressed to him, along with other belongings that were not his, such as HIV medication.
Joseph then claimed that he became “afraid an unknown individual would soon return to his room to engage in sexual acts.” When he told his superiors, he was allegedly “shamed” and kicked off the tour.
However, the judge has now dismissed the case, stating, “The allegations do not support a severe and pervasive concerted pattern of harassment sufficient to create an abusive working environment.”
Subsequently, the judge concluded that none of the musician’s claims “survive demurrer” by Smith and his company.
From here, Joseph’s legal team has 30 days to amend his lawsuit before the case is terminated.
When the lawsuit came to light, Smith’s lawyer, Allen B. Grodsky, retalliated with a stern statement that read, “Mr. Joseph’s allegations concerning my client are false, baseless, and reckless. They are categorically denied, and we will use all legal means available to address these claims and to ensure that the truth is brought to light.”
For help, advice or more information regarding sexual harassment, assault and rape in the UK, visit the Rape Crisis charity website. In the US, visit RAINN.
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