Will Smith wins partial legal victory as judge narrows harassment suit

Will Smith's lawyer says the allegations "are false, baseless and reckless". Photo / Getty Images

Actor Will Smith has secured a partial legal victory after a California judge struck down significant parts of a sexual harassment lawsuit brought against the actor by violinist Brian King Joseph.

The case against Smith, 57, emerged in December when Joseph filed a complaint in the Superior Court of California in Los Angeles against the star and Treyball Studios Management, Inc, alleging Smith had engaged in conduct intended to groom Joseph during preparations for the actor’s Based on a True Story: 2025 tour.

The legal dispute added to renewed public scrutiny surrounding Smith, following years of headlines tied to the fallout from his 2022 on-stage Oscars assault of comic Chris Rock, as well as ongoing attention around his attempts to rebuild his public image through music, film projects and public appearances.

According to new court documents obtained by People, a judge has now ruled Smith’s demurrer to several counts in the complaint should be granted.

The ruling stated the allegations connected to Joseph’s claims regarding access to his Las Vegas hotel room were not “based on sexual misconduct by defendant Smith”.

The judge also found Joseph’s belief that the “defendant Will Smith was involved in the decision to terminate [him] is conclusory and unsupported by any of the factual allegations” outlined in the complaint.

Under California law, a demurrer tests whether a complaint is legally sufficient. Joseph has now been granted 30 days to amend the filing.

Joseph’s original complaint alleged Smith had “deliberately groomed and primed” him for “further sexual exploitation” after inviting him to participate in the global tour in November 2024.

The filing described what Brian called a “traumatic series of events” during March 2025 while travelling on tour.

He alleged he discovered evidence that someone had entered his Las Vegas hotel room without forced entry.

According to the complaint, items allegedly discovered inside the room included a handwritten note reading: “Brian, I’ll be back ... just us,” alongside a heart symbol signed “Stone F”.

The complaint also referenced “wipes, a beer bottle, a red backpack, a bottle of HIV medication with another individual’s name, an earring and hospital discharge paperwork belonging to a person unbeknownst to” Joseph.

Joseph further alleged he “feared that an unknown individual would soon return to his room to engage in sexual acts” with him.

Shortly before filing the lawsuit, Joseph discussed the matter in a social media video in December.

He said: “I can’t get too into the details of exactly what that was because it’s already a legal issue right now, but the reason why I’m speaking out about this is because getting fired or getting blamed or shamed or threatened or anything like that simply for reporting sexual misconduct or safety threats at work is not okay.”

After the lawsuit was filed, Smith’s lawyer Allen B. Grodsky strongly denied the accusations in a statement.

Grodsky said: “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.”