Judge Dismisses Violinist's Suit Against Will Smith

A Los Angeles Superior Court judge dismissed a sexual harassment and wrongful termination lawsuit filed by violinist Brian King Joseph against actor Will Smith, ruling that the allegations failed to demonstrate a severe or pervasive pattern of misconduct required under California law.

Judge Michael Shultz issued the decision this week, finding Joseph's claims lacking sufficient evidence to establish an abusive working environment or a direct link between the alleged incident and his dismissal from Smith's 2025 Based on a True Story tour. Joseph, a former top-three finalist on America's Got Talent in 2018, had performed with Smith on the tour after collaborating on related projects, including the album of the same name.

According to court documents, Joseph alleged that during a March 2025 tour stop in Las Vegas, an unknown individual entered his hotel room while he was away, leaving behind a handwritten note reading "Brian, Ill be back" followed by unclear phrasing and signed "Stone F." The room also contained unfamiliar items, including a beer bottle, an earring, a bottle of HIV medication and hospital discharge papers. Joseph reported the matter to hotel security and tour...