Will Smith has requested that a judge dismiss a sexual harassment lawsuit filed against him by his former tour violinist, who alleges that the acclaimed actor and musician engaged in inappropriate behavior.

The claims were brought forth last year by musician Brian King Joseph, who accused Smith of “deliberately grooming and priming” him for potential “sexual exploitation” during the Based on a “True Story Tour”.

According to Joseph, his bag went missing from his hotel room for several hours before being returned with items such as HIV medication and a note that read, “Brian, I’ll be back…just us,” with a drawn heart. These details reportedly led him to believe he was at risk of sexual assault.

On February 20, Smith and his production company, Treyball Studios Management, filed a motion in the Los Angeles Superior Court to have the lawsuit dismissed. They described the allegations as “false and defamatory conclusory allegations” lacking any substantive basis.

Smith’s legal team argued that the lawsuit amounts to a “frivolous” attempt to defame the actor with “false and salacious accusations.” They labeled the allegations as “untrue, inflammatory, legally baseless, and are nothing but an attempted money grab,” asserting that Joseph’s actions appear to be financially motivated.

Furthermore, Smith’s attorneys stated that Joseph was removed from the tour due to underperformance — a decision reportedly made without Smith’s direct involvement.

According to them, Joseph had never been formally offered a consistent position in the band and was ultimately determined to be “not a good fit” for the shows.

The dismissal filing emphasized that the accusations lack credible evidence necessary to support such serious claims. However, Joseph’s attorney, Jonathan J. Delshad, told Billboard they strongly contest the motion to dismiss and intend to “present the facts in court.”

The case is scheduled for a hearing on April 28, 2026.