Will Smith Demands Violinist’s ‘Farce’ Sexual Harassment Suit Be Tossed

Will Smith is hitting back at claims of sexual harassment brought on by a violinist who performed on his Based on a True Story tour. According to court documents obtained by Billboard, Smith’s lawyers are seeking to have the “farce of a lawsuit” dismissed. The violinist, Brian King Joseph, who was a season 13 finalist on America’s Got Talent, accused Smith of wrongfully terminating him. Joseph claims he was fired after someone broke into his hotel and left “sexually aggressive materials” in his room. He believes that the incident was connected to Smith and was a form of “grooming.”

“Brian King Joseph is using the California court system to maliciously ensnare [Will Smith] in a frivolous lawsuit,” the court documents read. “The false and salacious allegations in plaintiff’s complaint undoubtedly make for tabloid fodder but, like most tabloid stories, they are untrue, inflammatory, legally baseless, and are nothing but an attempted money grab.”

Smith Lawyer’s Claim Violinist was ‘Erratic’ and made other performers ‘uncomfortable’

Smith claims Joseph was dismissed for repeatedly arriving late to rehearsals and for behaving “erratically.” He also alleged that Joseph was making other performers feel “uncomfortable.” Per the suit, Joseph had never been promised a long-term position with the band. “Plaintiff was never promised a regular position in the band,” the documents continued. “Ultimately, it was determined that plaintiff was not a good fit for the band, and he was not invited to perform at further shows.”

Smith’s wife, Jada Pinkett-Smith, is facing her own legal drama. As we previously reported, Jada Pinkett-Smith is being sued by Will Smith’s former assistant. Pinkett-Smith has been accused of threatening Bilaal Salaam. She allegedly said he would “end up missing” or “catch a bullet” if he continued “telling her business.” Salaam, who says he’s been a “best friend” of Will Smith for almost 40 years, claims he’s  “worked closely” with the actor. He noted that he was included photos in the actor’s memoir Will.