Hollywood actor Will Smith has won a court order dismissing a sexual harassment lawsuit filed against him last year. The lawsuit, brought by electric violinist Brian King Joseph, was thrown out by a judge who ruled that the allegations did not meet the legal standard for workplace sexual misconduct.
Lawsuit Dismissed
According to Billboard, the lawsuit was filed by Brian King Joseph, who performed on Smith's 'Based on a True Story' tour. The court order, issued on Tuesday, May 5, granted Smith's request to dismiss the claims made by Joseph in December.
Allegations by the Violinist
Joseph, who placed third on America's Got Talent in 2018, alleged that he was "illegally fired" from the actor's international tour after reporting that someone broke into his Las Vegas hotel room and left sexually suggestive materials. A note found with the materials read, "Brian, I'll be back."
Judge's Ruling
Judge Michael Shultz noted that while the note was sexual in nature, its existence does not rise to the level of workplace sexual misconduct. The judge also stated that it is not reasonable for Joseph to assume, without evidence, that Smith or his staff were responsible for the alleged break-in. The court order read: "The allegations do not support a severe and pervasive concerted pattern of harassment sufficient to create an abusive working environment." The court held that the deficiencies in the case rejected not only Joseph's sexual harassment claims but also the allegations of wrongful termination and retaliation.
Claims of Predatory Behavior
In his lawsuit filed in California state court, Joseph accused Smith of "predatory behaviour" and "deliberately grooming and priming" him for "sexual exploitation," though he did not cite a specific incident involving Smith. Smith's lawyer, Allen Grodsky, dismissed the allegations as "false, baseless and reckless." In a statement, Grodsky said, "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."
