Will Smith hit with 'sexual harassment' & unlawful termination lawsuit by violinist Brian King Joseph

Oscar winning actor Will Smith has been named in a serious civil lawsuit filed by musician Brian King Joseph, a former tour violinist who has accused the actor of sexual harassment and retaliation. The allegations, which have surfaced at the end of 2025, have sparked widespread discussion due to Smith’s stature in the entertainment industry and the detailed nature of the claims outlined in the complaint.

Brian King Joseph, who gained national recognition as a finalist on America’s Got Talent, claims that his professional association with Smith quickly turned unsettling after he was hired in November 2024 for the Based on a True Story 2025 tour. The lawsuit, filed on December 31, 2025, in a Los Angeles court, names both Will Smith and his company Treyball Studios Management. According to Variety, Joseph alleges that what initially appeared to be a promising career opportunity became an environment marked by discomfort and fear.

In the court filing, Joseph accuses Smith of engaging in “predatory behaviour” and claims the actor began “grooming and priming” him as they spent increasing amounts of time alone during tour preparations. The complaint alleges that Smith blurred professional boundaries and made statements that left Joseph deeply uneasy, including one instance where Smith allegedly told him, “You and I have such a special connection that I don't have with anyone else.”

The situation allegedly escalated during a tour stop in Las Vegas in March 2025. Joseph claims he returned to his hotel room, which had been booked through Smith’s team, and noticed signs that someone had entered without his consent. Inside the room, he reportedly found several alarming items, including wipes, a beer bottle, hospital discharge papers, and a sexual message. The complaint further states that Joseph discovered HIV medication labelled with another individual’s name, along with a handwritten note that read, “Brian, I’ll be back no later [sic] 5:30, just us (drawn heart), Stone F.”

According to the lawsuit, the discovery left Joseph terrified. He reported the incident to hotel security, tour management, and a non emergency police line. However, Joseph claims that instead of being taken seriously, he was accused of dishonesty and made to feel responsible for the situation. He alleges that tour management shamed him rather than offering protection or conducting a proper inquiry.

Only days after raising his concerns, Joseph says he was dismissed from the tour. While he was informed that the team was “moving in a different direction,” he claims another violinist was hired almost immediately, leading him to believe the explanation was false and retaliatory. Joseph later acknowledged public support by thanking well wishers through his Instagram stories.

The lawsuit seeks damages for sexual harassment, wrongful termination, and retaliation. Joseph claims the ordeal has had lasting effects on his mental health, including PTSD, and has caused significant financial harm. As of now, representatives for Will Smith have not publicly responded to the allegations.