- - Will Smith Facing Sexual Harassment Lawsuit from Former Tour Musician

Mia GalanteJanuary 2, 2026 at 5:59 AM

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Photo by Wagner Meier on Getty Images

Will Smith and his company, Treyball Studios Management, are being sued for sexual harassment, wrongful termination, and retaliation by violinist Brian King Joseph.

Jospeh filed a civil complaint against Smith and his company on Dec. 30 regarding alleged incidents that occurred during Smith's "Based on a True Story" 2025 tour. Jospeh claims that Smith, "was deliberately grooming and priming Mr. Joseph for further sexual exploitation."

Jospeh claims that in the months leading up to the tour, he and Smith were spending additional time alone together. Jospeh alleges that at one point Smith had told him, "You and I have such a special connection, that I don't have with anyone else."

The lawsuit details an alleged incident that occurred in March 2025 at a Las Vegas hotel during the tour. Joseph claims someone entered his hotel room and left a handwritten note containing what he describes as a “sexual threat of violence.” The note read, “Brian, I’ll be back … just us,” and was allegedly signed “Stone, F,” with a heart drawn next to it.

Joseph further alleges that "wipes, a beer bottle, a red backpack, a bottle of HIV medication with another individual’s name, an earring, and hospital discharge paperwork belonging to a person unbeknownst to Joseph," were left in his hotel room.

According to the complaint, after discovering the note and other items left in his hotel room, Joseph, "feared that an unknown individual would soon return to his room to engage in sexual acts."

Shortly following the incident, Joseph claims he reported the situation to hotel security and tour management. He alleges he was shamed by Smith's tour management company and subsequently fired from the tour.

The complaint states that Joseph suffered, "severe emotional distress, economic loss, reputational harm, and other damages," following the incident, including, “PTSD and other mental illness as a result of the termination."

Jospeh is a professional violinist who competed on the 13th season of "America's Got Talent" in 2018. He placed in the top 3 and was a finalist on the competition series.

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A rep for Smith did not immediately respond to Parade's request for comment.

This story was originally published by Parade on Jan 1, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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Source: “AOL Entertainment”