Will Smith has been accused of sexual harassment and retaliation in a newly filed lawsuit brought by male professional violinist Brian King Joseph, marking the first public legal action of its kind against the actor and musician.
Joseph, who competed on America’s Got Talent and later toured professionally, filed the complaint in California Superior Court against Smith and his company, Treyball Studios Management, Inc., alleging that he was subjected to inappropriate conduct during Smith’s 2025 Based on a True Story global tour and later terminated after reporting what he describes as a serious safety incident.
Smith, through his attorney, has categorically denied all allegations.
Who is the Accuser?
Brian King Joseph is a professional violinist who gained national attention as a finalist on America’s Got Talent Season 13 in 2018. According to the complaint, Joseph was hired to perform on Smith’s 2025 concert tour supporting his fifth studio album.
READ: Netflix Announces KPop Demon Hunters Has Surpassed Half a Billion Views
Joseph alleges that while on tour, he experienced what he describes as a “traumatic series of events” that culminated in his dismissal from the tour.
Allegations of Grooming and Sexual Exploitation
According to the complaint, Brian King Joseph filed suit in the Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles, on Tuesday, December 30th, against Will Smith, 57, and his company, Treyball Studios Management, Inc.
A screenshot from I, Robot – YouTube, Rotten Tomatoes Classic Trailers
In the filing, Joseph alleges that Smith “was deliberately grooming and priming Mr. Joseph for further sexual exploitation” following an alleged incident that Joseph claims occurred while he was touring with Smith during the Based on a True Story global tour in March 2025.
“You and I have such a special connection that I don’t have with anyone else,” Joseph claims Smith told him personally.
The complaint characterizes Smith’s alleged conduct as part of a broader pattern rather than an isolated event, tying Joseph’s termination from the tour to his reporting of what he describes as sexual misconduct and safety concerns.
Smith has categorically denied the allegations through his attorney.
Alleged Hotel Room Incident
According to the lawsuit, Joseph claims that in March 2025, while staying at a hotel in Las Vegas as part of the tour, someone gained access to his room without signs of forced entry.
According to the complaint, obtained and reviewed by Entertainment Weekly, the individual allegedly left behind evidence of what the filing describes as a “sexual threat of violence,” including “wipes, a beer bottle, a red backpack, a bottle of medication with another individual’s name, an earring, and hospital discharge paperwork” belonging to someone else.
There was also allegedly a handwritten note that read: “Brian, I’ll be back… just us.”
Will Smith stars in Columbia Pictures BAD BOYS: RIDE OR DIE. Photo by: Frank Masi
READ: 2025 Box Office Failed to Meet Even Hollywood’s Lowered Expectations
The note was allegedly signed with a heart and the name “Stone F.” The lawsuit further claims that additional personal items belonging to another individual were left in the room.
Joseph states that he reported the incident to hotel staff, a local non-emergency police line, and members of Smith’s tour management.
Termination and Retaliation Claims
The lawsuit alleges that after reporting the incident, Joseph was “shamed” by a member of the tour’s management team and subsequently informed that his employment was being terminated.
Joseph claims his firing was retaliatory and that another violinist was quickly hired to replace him. He is seeking damages for emotional distress, economic loss, and reputational harm, including claims of post-traumatic stress resulting from the incident and his dismissal.
Pre-Lawsuit Social Media Video
Days before filing the lawsuit, Joseph posted a video on Instagram on Christmas Day, referencing his experience without naming Smith directly.
In the video, Joseph said he had been hired earlier in the year to perform on a “major, major tour” with someone “huge in the industry,” but that “some things happened.”
View this post on Instagram
He explained that he could not provide details because the matter was already a legal issue, but said his motivation for speaking publicly was to address concerns about retaliation for reporting misconduct or safety issues in the workplace.
The video was posted prior to any public reporting about the lawsuit and is now being cited as context surrounding Joseph’s decision to pursue legal action.
Will Smith’s Response
Smith has denied all allegations through his attorney, Allen B. Grodsky, who issued the following statement:
“Mr. Joseph’s allegations concerning my client are false, baseless, and reckless. They are categorically denied, and we will use all legal means available to address these claims and to ensure that the truth is brought to light.”
At this stage, no court findings have been made, and the claims outlined in the complaint remain allegations that will be evaluated through the legal process.
What Happens Next?
The case is in its early stages and will proceed through standard civil litigation, including potential discovery and motion practice. As with all lawsuits, the filing of a complaint does not represent a legal determination of wrongdoing.
Will Smith and Martin Lawrence star in Columbia Pictures BAD BOYS: RIDE OR DIE. Photo by: Frank Masi
This story will continue to develop as more information becomes available.
What’s your reaction to Will Smith being accused of sexual harassment? Sound off in the comments and let us know!
