Archive · 3 Jan 2026
Violinist Sues Will Smith for Harassment
A violinist named Brian King Joseph is suing actor Will Smith and his company.
Joseph says he found signs that someone entered his hotel room without permission and left strange items, including a note that made him feel threatened.
He claims Smith was trying to groom him for further harm.
Joseph was fired from Smith's 2025 tour after reporting the incident.
He is asking for money to cover his losses and emotional suffering.
The lawsuit says the tour management did not investigate properly and instead blamed Joseph for what happened.
Joseph says he is now dealing with serious emotional problems because of it.
Brian King Joseph, a violinist, has sued Will Smith and Treyball Studios Management for wrongful termination, retaliation, intimidation, and sexual harassment.
Joseph claims he found signs of an unauthorized entry into his Las Vegas hotel room during the Based on a True Story 2025 tour, including a suggestive note and personal items.
He alleges that tour management accused him of lying and fired him days after reporting the incident.
The lawsuit also claims Smith had been grooming Joseph for further sexual exploitation since November 2024.
Joseph is seeking compensation for personal and financial damages, including significant investments made for the tour and psychological harm.
- Who
- Brian King Joseph (plaintiff) vs. Will Smith and Treyball Studios Management (defendants)
- What
- Lawsuit alleging wrongful termination, retaliation, intimidation, and sexual harassment
- When
- Incident in March 2025; lawsuit filed December 30, 2024
- Where
- Las Vegas hotel room and during the Based on a True Story 2025 tour
- Why
- Joseph claims he was fired after reporting a sexual assault incident and alleges a pattern of predatory behavior
Brian King Joseph
Will Smith and Treyball Studios Management
Incident in Hotel Room
Brian King Joseph
Claims unauthorized entry with suggestive note and personal items, indicating a sexual threat.
Will Smith and Treyball Studios Management
No official response from Smith or management regarding the incident.
Termination
Brian King Joseph
Alleges wrongful termination and retaliation after reporting the incident.
Will Smith and Treyball Studios Management
No official response from Smith or management regarding the termination.
Grooming Allegations
Brian King Joseph
Claims Smith was grooming him for further sexual exploitation since November 2024.
Will Smith and Treyball Studios Management
No official response from Smith or management regarding the grooming allegations.
- Plaintiff
- Brian King Joseph
- Defendants
- Will Smith and Treyball Studios Management Inc.
- Incident Location
- Las Vegas hotel room
- Incident Date
- March 2025 (exact date not specified)
- Allegations
- Wrongful termination, retaliation, intimidation, sexual harassment
- Tour Name
- Based on a True Story 2025
- Legal Filing Date
- December 30, 2024
- Joseph's Background
- America's Got Talent season 13 top-three finalist in 2018
Sources
Will Smith sued by violinist who claims he was fired after reporting sexual harassment during 2025 tour: Report
Will Smith Sued For Sexual Harassment, Accused Of 'Deliberately Grooming' Tour Violinist
Hollywood actor Will Smith accused of sexual harassment, sued for wrongful termination by musician
Hollywood star Will Smith sued by his tour violinist over sexual assault and wrongful termination
Will Smith Sued For Sexual Harassment, Wrongful Termination And Retaliation By Tour Violinist
Will Smith sued by violinist for sexual harassment, wrongful termination
Will Smith sued for sexual harassment and wrongful termination by ex-tour violinist
Will Smith sued by violinist Brian King Joseph for sexual harassment and hotel room incident during 2025 tour