Will Smith Faces Sexual Harassment Lawsuit from Tour Violinist Brian King Joseph

Jason Sargent Friday, January 2, 2026

- - Will Smith Faces Sexual Harassment Lawsuit from Tour Violinist Brian King Joseph

Miu von FurstenbergJanuary 2, 2026 at 10:34 PM

Actor and rapper Will Smith has been sued by professional violinist Brian King Joseph over allegations of sexual harassment, wrongful termination, and retaliation. The lawsuit was filed on December 30, 2025, in Los Angeles County Superior Court against Smith and his management company, Treyball Studios Management.

Joseph claims he was hired by Will Smith in November 2024 to perform at a show in San Diego. He was subsequently invited to join the artist’s Based on a True Story: 2025 Tour and contribute to Smith’s upcoming album.

According to the complaint, the lawsuit centers on an incident that occurred in March 2025 during the tour’s Las Vegas stop. Joseph alleges he returned to his hotel room around 11 p.m. to discover someone had entered without authorization. Hotel security indicated there were no signs of forced entry.

Will Smith at the 94th Annual Academy Awards held at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, USA on March 27, 2022. — Photo by PopularImages/depositphotos.com

The violinist reported finding several disturbing items in his room. These included wipes, a beer bottle, HIV medication belonging to someone else, hospital discharge paperwork, an earring, and a red backpack. Most troubling was a handwritten note that read: “Brian, I’ll be back no later [sic] 5:30, just us (drawn heart), Stone F.”

Joseph immediately contacted hotel security, Smith’s representatives, and the non-emergency police line. He documented the scene with photographs and requested a room change.

Days after reporting the incident, Joseph claims a member of Smith’s management team accused him of fabricating the entire story. The lawsuit alleges the staff member asked: “Everyone is telling me that what happened to you is a lie.” Joseph was then terminated from the tour.

Brian King Joseph at the arrivals at the final of America’s Got Talent in Los Angeles, CA on September 19, 2019. Photo Credit: RobinLori/INSTARimages.com

The complaint alleges that Will Smith was “deliberately grooming and priming Mr. Joseph for further sexual exploitation.” The lawsuit describes what it characterizes as predatory behavior rather than an isolated incident.

Joseph’s attorney, Jonathan J. Delshad, stated that his client “was very close with Smith prior to the termination.” The lawyer added that additional information will emerge during litigation.

Brian King Joseph competed on America’s Got Talent Season 13 in 2018, finishing as a top-three finalist. The Washington, D.C. native posted videos of himself performing with Smith on social media in December 2024.

Actor Will Smith arrives at the 2021 AFI Fest – Closing Night Premiere Of Warner Bros. Pictures’ ‘King Richard’ held at the TCL Chinese Theatre IMAX on November 14, 2021 in Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, United States. — Photo by Xavier Collin/Image Press Agency/depositphotos.com

The lawsuit seeks damages for multiple violations. Joseph is suing for sexual harassment, retaliation, wrongful termination in violation of public policy, and violations of California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act. He also claims violations of the Bane Act and Ralph Act.

Joseph alleges the incident caused him severe emotional distress and PTSD. His complaint states that “Defendant’s actions caused Plaintiff severe emotional distress, economic loss, reputational harm.” The violinist says his health deteriorated significantly following his termination.

Smith’s attorney, Allen B. Grodsky, issued a strong denial of the allegations. He stated: “Mr. Joseph’s allegations concerning my client are false, baseless, and reckless.” The attorney emphasized they will use all legal means to address the claims.

American actor Will Smith arrives at the Los Angeles Premiere Of Apple Original Films’ ‘Emancipation’ held at Regency Village Theatre on November 30, 2022 in Westwood, Los Angeles, California, United States. — Photo by Xavier Collin/Image Press Agency/depositphotos.com

The complaint does not specify an exact dollar amount in damages. Joseph has requested a jury trial to determine appropriate compensation. The case adds to recent legal troubles for the Smith family, following a separate $3 million lawsuit filed against Jada Pinkett Smith in December.

Smith performed in Las Vegas on March 20, 2025, at the House of Blues Las Vegas. He released his album Based on a True Story in March 2025. The tour was supporting this new album release.

Representatives for Will Smith have categorically denied all allegations in the complaint. The legal battle is expected to unfold in California courts over the coming months.

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