Los Angeles, CA – Professional violinist Brian King Joseph has filed a lawsuit against actor and musician Will Smith, accusing him and his production company of sexual harassment, wrongful termination, and retaliation. The complaint, filed in Los Angeles Superior Court on Tuesday, December 30, details a series of alleged incidents during Smith's Based on a True Story: 2025 tour, marking a significant legal challenge for the 57-year-old entertainer amid his recent return to music.
According to the legal documents obtained by Us Weekly, Joseph, a former contestant on America's Got Talent, was invited in November 2024 to join Smith on the tour, which launched its first leg in Las Vegas in March 2025. The suit names Smith and Treyball Studios Management as defendants, alleging that Smith engaged in “predatory behavior” and “deliberately grooming and priming Mr. Joseph for further sexual exploitation” from their initial meeting onward. Joseph claims that after connecting with Smith, they began spending additional time alone before the tour even started, during which Smith reportedly said, “You and I have such a special connection, that I don’t have with anyone else.”
The most alarming allegation centers on an incident in Joseph's Las Vegas hotel room, booked by Smith's company. Joseph states that upon returning to his room, he discovered signs of unlawful entry. Inside, he allegedly found wipes, a beer bottle, a bottle of HIV medication bearing another individual's name, and hospital discharge paperwork belonging to someone else. Adding to his distress, there was a note that read, “Brian, I’ll be back no later [sic] 5:30, just us (drawn heart), Stone F,” which Joseph interpreted as an indication that “an unknown individual would soon return to his room to engage in sexual acts” with him.
Joseph further alleges that only members of tour management had access to his room, as they had lost his bag containing the room key during the trip to Las Vegas. Following the discovery, he immediately reported the situation to hotel security and tour management. However, according to the complaint, management accused him of lying, shamed him, and blamed him for the incident, leading to his termination just days later. Joseph was told by management that they were “moving in a different direction,” but he disputes this, noting that he was quickly replaced by another violinist in the same role.
The lawsuit seeks damages for retaliation, wrongful termination, and sexual harassment, with the amount to be determined by a jury. Joseph claims the ordeal has caused him to suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and significant economic loss. The filing comes at a time when Smith is promoting his first album in over two decades, Based on a True Story, which features singles like “You Can Make It,” “Work of Art,” and “Tantrum,” as well as new tracks such as “Beautiful Scars.”
To provide context, Smith's musical comeback has been a focal point of his career resurgence following high-profile moments like his 2022 Oscars incident. The album, released earlier in 2025, explores themes of personal growth and adversity. In a January 29, 2025, interview during an iHeartRadio Live event, Smith opened up about the track “Beautiful Scars” with radio host Enrique Santos. “The idea of ‘Beautiful Scars’ is just one of the things that really popped through for me as such a value to recognize that a difficulty, an adversity, a challenge, an obstacle is hard and painful in the moment but what you’re going through can turn out to be the greatest thing that has ever happened,” Smith said. “What starts out as an adversity can turn into a beautiful stepping stone.”
This lawsuit adds to a series of legal and public scrutiny challenges for Smith. Just last year, reports surfaced of Jada Pinkett Smith allegedly threatening a friend for sharing personal information, though details remain limited. Additionally, Smith has publicly distanced himself from music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs amid ongoing controversies, stating in an interview, “I don't have s--- to do” with Diddy and that he hasn't attended any of his parties. These statements were made in response to speculation linking Smith to Diddy's legal troubles, which involve separate allegations of misconduct.
While the complaint paints a detailed picture of grooming and the hotel incident, representatives for Smith and Joseph have not immediately responded to requests for comment from Us Weekly. Legal experts familiar with such cases note that allegations of this nature often hinge on evidence like witness statements, security footage, and documentation of communications. In Joseph's filing, he emphasizes the rapid replacement and management's response as key indicators of retaliation, though no counter-filings or statements from the defendants have been reported as of Thursday, January 1.
The Based on a True Story: 2025 tour itself has been a major undertaking for Smith, blending his acting fame with his rap roots from the 1990s. The Las Vegas kickoff in March 2025 drew crowds eager for performances of tracks from the album, which Smith has described as a reflective project born from personal trials. Joseph's role as a violinist was intended to add a unique orchestral element to the shows, highlighting Smith's interest in diverse musical collaborations.
Details in the lawsuit extend to the timeline of events, with the invitation occurring in November 2024 and the alleged grooming beginning shortly thereafter. Joseph, known for his emotive violin performances on America's Got Talent, claims the professional opportunity turned sour due to what he describes as exploitative advances. The presence of personal items like the HIV medication and hospital papers in his room is cited as particularly invasive, suggesting a breach of privacy orchestrated by those with access.
As the case progresses, it could shed light on workplace dynamics within high-profile entertainment tours, where power imbalances are common. Similar lawsuits in the industry, such as those involving other celebrities, have led to settlements or trials that influence broader conversations about accountability. For now, the complaint remains unverified beyond Joseph's account, and court proceedings will likely involve depositions to clarify the note's origin and management's involvement.
Smith's team has a history of managing public relations adeptly, but this allegation strikes at themes of consent and professional boundaries in the music world. The tour continues without Joseph, but the lawsuit's publicity may impact fan perceptions and future collaborations. Observers will watch closely as the legal process unfolds in Los Angeles courts, potentially setting precedents for harassment claims in the entertainment sector.
In broader context, the entertainment industry has seen a wave of #MeToo-inspired filings in recent years, with artists and crew members coming forward against major figures. Joseph's suit, if substantiated, could join this narrative, prompting reviews of tour management protocols. Meanwhile, Smith's album promotion, including radio appearances and live events, proceeds amid the shadow of this litigation.
Us Weekly's reporting on the filing provides the primary details, corroborated by the court documents themselves. No conflicting accounts have emerged from additional sources at this stage, though updates are expected as representatives respond. The case is assigned to Los Angeles Superior Court, with an initial hearing date yet to be scheduled.
As Smith navigates this challenge, his message of turning adversity into growth, as expressed in “Beautiful Scars,” takes on added irony. The lawsuit's resolution could define the next chapter in his multifaceted career, balancing artistic triumphs with personal reckonings. For Joseph, the pursuit of justice represents a stand against alleged exploitation, with implications that extend beyond the stage lights of Las Vegas.