Hollywood star Will Smith is facing a lawsuit from a former tour musician who claims he was sexually harassed, retaliated against, and ultimately fired after reporting a disturbing incident during the actor’s 2025 music tour.
Violinist Brian King Joseph has filed a civil lawsuit against Smith and his company, Treyball Studios Management, alleging wrongful termination, sexual harassment, and retaliation.
The lawsuit stems from events that allegedly took place during Smith’s Based on a True Story 2025 tour, including an incident in Las Vegas in March.
In the complaint, Joseph accuses Smith of engaging in “predatory behavior” and claims the actor “deliberately grooming and priming Mr. Joseph for further sexual exploitation” while they worked together on tour.
According to court documents filed on December 31 in Los Angeles, Joseph alleges that after returning to his hotel room, which had been booked by Smith’s company, he discovered evidence that someone had entered without his permission.
He claims the room contained a sexual message, wipes, a beer bottle, HIV medication labeled with another person’s name, and hospital discharge paperwork belonging to someone else.
The filing states that Joseph also found a handwritten note that read: “Brian, I’ll be back no later [sic] 5:30, just us (drawn heart), Stone F.”
Joseph says he immediately reported the incident to hotel security and informed tour management.
He also contacted a non-emergency police line. According to the lawsuit, rather than being supported, he was accused of lying, blamed for the situation, and subjected to hostility from those overseeing the tour.
The violinist claims that just days later, he was fired. Management allegedly told him the tour was “moving in a different direction.”
Joseph disputes that explanation, stating that another violinist was hired almost immediately to replace him and emphasizing that his termination was not for “pretextual” reasons.
The lawsuit further outlines how Joseph first began working with Smith in November 2024, when he was hired to perform at a show in San Diego. Following that performance, he was invited to join Smith’s 2025 tour and contribute to the album. He alleges that in the months leading up to the tour, he and Smith spent increasing amounts of time alone.
As part of his claims, Joseph alleges that Smith made comments reinforcing what he describes as inappropriate emotional manipulation, including telling him: “You and I have such a special connection, that I don't have with anyone else.”
Joseph asserts that after reporting the hotel room incident, a member of the tour’s management team “shamed” him and informed him that his employment was being terminated.
In the lawsuit, Joseph claims the ordeal left him suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder and significant financial losses due to the sudden end of his employment.
He is seeking damages for retaliation, wrongful termination, and sexual harassment, with the amount to be determined by a jury.
As of now, a representative for Will Smith has not issued a response to the lawsuit or the allegations contained within it.