The British Hollywood star Jodie Turner-Smith has been named as a defendant in a lawsuit alleging she helped fund her brother's drug use and sex parties, in a case that threatens to derail her acting career.
Three women have filed complaints against Richard Smith, the actress's brother, a convicted felon, alleging sexual coercion, non-consensual sexual conduct and imprisonment. Turner-Smith is named as a defendant in the case. One of the women, identified as Jane Doe 2, alleged that Smith referred to her as his white slave and described himself as her master.
The lawsuit claims that Turner-Smith knew of significant dangers associated with her brother and, despite that knowledge, continued to provide or make available resources that enabled him. Smith used the housing and money he received from his sister to carry out the alleged abuse, according to the claimants. Among the gifts cited in the papers was an Audi that he allegedly used to transport drug packages to US post offices, which were then moved across state lines. Smith also allegedly used his famous sister to make some of the women feel safe and lower their defences during sex parties. I used to take care of her, now she takes care of me. She pays all my bills, he is said to have told them.
Turner-Smith denies all the claims made against her. Her representatives have not commented beyond the denial, and no court has made any finding against her.
Turner-Smith, who was born in Peterborough, England, rose to prominence with acclaimed performances in films including Queen and Slim and the television series Anne Boleyn, in which she played the Tudor queen. She has become one of the most visible British actresses in Hollywood, known for her fashion presence as well as her acting, and she appeared at a London film charity premiere in Leicester Square in September.
The case lands at a sensitive moment for the entertainment industry, which is still reckoning with a series of lawsuits in which family members or associates of alleged abusers are accused of enabling their behaviour. Legal experts note that enabling claims against third parties are difficult to prove, requiring evidence that the defendant knew of the specific danger and materially contributed to it, rather than simply maintaining a family relationship with the accused.
The lawsuit was filed in the United States, where the alleged conduct is said to have taken place, and it remains at an early stage. Turner-Smith's legal team is expected to seek dismissal of the claims against her. For the actress, the reputational stakes are high regardless of the legal outcome: in an industry where public image is currency, even being named in such proceedings can have lasting consequences for casting and endorsements.