Will Smith, known for his acting and music career, is facing a lawsuit from a former tour violinist, Brian King Joseph, who has alleged sexual harassment, retaliation, and wrongful termination during Smith’s recent concert tour. The lawsuit, filed recently and mentioned in Variety, lists Smith and Treyball Studios Management as defendants. Joseph accuses Smith of engaging in what he describes as “predatory behavior” and claims that Smith intentionally groomed him for sexual exploitation while they were collaborating on the “Based on a True Story: 2025 Tour” earlier this year.
Joseph, a former participant on “America’s Got Talent,” states that he was initially hired by Smith in November 2024 to perform at a San Diego show. Subsequently, he was invited to join Smith’s 2025 tour and contribute to an upcoming album. As their professional relationship progressed, the lawsuit asserts that Smith made personal comments insinuating an unusually close connection between them.
The complaint highlights an incident during the tour’s first leg in March 2025, where Joseph performed at a Las Vegas show. Accommodations were provided for the band and crew, and Joseph claims that his bag, containing his room key, went missing for a few hours before being returned by management. He alleges that only management had access to his room during that period.
Upon returning to his room that night, Joseph claims to have found signs indicating unauthorized entry. Allegedly, items left behind included wipes, a bottle of HIV medication with another person’s name, and a handwritten note addressed to him, which he interpreted as a threat of future unwanted sexual advances. Joseph reported the incident to hotel security, Smith’s representatives, and a non-emergency police line.
According to the lawsuit, a few days later, a member of the management team scolded Joseph, accusing him of fabricating the situation. Shortly after, Joseph was informed of his termination from employment, which he claims caused significant emotional distress, leading to symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder and financial loss. Seeking damages for sexual harassment, retaliation, and wrongful termination, Joseph’s compensation request will be decided by a jury.
As of now, there has been no immediate response from a representative for Will Smith to Variety’s request for comment.