United Kingdom, May 9 -- 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 actor Will, 57, emerged in December when Brian filed a complaint in the Superior Court of California in Los Angeles against the star and Treyball Studios Management, Inc, alleging Will had engaged in conduct intended to groom Brian during preparations for the actor's Based on a True Story: 2025 tour.

The legal dispute added to renewed public scrutiny surrounding Will 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...