A sexual harassment lawsuit filed against Hollywood actor Will Smith by violinist Brian King Joseph has been dismissed by a Los Angeles court after a judge ruled that there was insufficient evidence to support the allegations.
Joseph, 32, accused Smith of sexual harassment and wrongful termination while working on the actor’s 2025 Based on a True Story tour. However, LA Superior Court Judge Michael Shultz concluded that the claims failed to meet the legal threshold for harassment, citing a lack of evidence showing a “severe and pervasive” pattern of misconduct.
According to court documents, Joseph alleged that during a March 2025 tour stop in Las Vegas, his hotel room was unlawfully entered by an unidentified person who allegedly left behind a suggestive note signed “Stone F.” He also claimed several unexplained items were left inside the room, including a beer bottle, an earring, HIV medication and hospital discharge papers.
Joseph argued that the incident caused him emotional distress and ultimately led to retaliation and dismissal from the tour after he reported the matter to hotel security and Smith’s management team. He claimed the experience contributed to PTSD and other mental health issues.
Despite the allegations, Judge Shultz ruled that the lawsuit did not demonstrate the existence of an abusive work environment. The court noted that Joseph was able to request a room change and safely return to Los Angeles the following day. The judge further stated that there was no evidence linking Smith or his management team to a broader pattern of harassment.
Smith’s attorney, Allen B. Grodsky, strongly denied the claims, describing them as “false, baseless and reckless.” The legal team maintained from the start that the allegations lacked merit.
Although the case has been dismissed, the court has granted Joseph’s legal team 30 days to amend and refile the complaint before the matter is permanently closed.
Joseph gained public attention as a finalist on America’s Got Talent in 2018 and later collaborated with Smith on music and touring projects.
