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Will Smith is facing a lawsuit from a musician who alleges sexual harassment, retaliation, and wrongful termination during the actor's 2025 global tour.
Professional violinist Brian King Joseph filed a complaint on Dec. 30 in the Superior Court of California in Los Angeles against Smith and his company, Treyball Studios Management, Inc. The lawsuit claims Joseph was subjected to inappropriate conduct after being invited to join Smith's Based on a True Story: 2025 tour.
According to the complaint, Joseph was first hired to perform with Smith in late 2024 and was later invited to join the full tour and collaborate on music projects. The filing alleges Smith engaged in behavior meant to foster an unusually personal relationship, which Joseph claims later became troubling.
The lawsuit centers on an incident that allegedly occurred in March 2025 while the tour was in Las Vegas. Joseph claims he discovered that his hotel room had been entered without signs of forced entry, causing him to fear for his safety. The complaint describes the experience as traumatic and alleges it created an atmosphere of intimidation and distress.
Joseph reported the incident to hotel staff, local authorities through a non-emergency line, and members of the tour's management team, according to the filing. He claims that shortly afterward, he was dismissed from the tour and replaced by another musician. The lawsuit alleges he was "shamed" for raising concerns and accused of fabricating the incident.
As a result, Joseph claims he suffered severe emotional distress, financial losses, and damage to his professional reputation. The complaint states that he has experienced ongoing mental health challenges following his termination.
Smith has denied the allegations. His attorney, Allen B. Grodsky, said in a statement that the claims are "false, baseless, and reckless," adding that they are being categorically denied and will be addressed through legal channels.
Joseph, a Washington, D.C. native, previously gained national attention as a finalist on America's Got Talent in 2018. He had shared footage on social media in late 2024 indicating it was his first night performing on tour with Smith.
The lawsuit comes weeks after a separate legal complaint involving the Smith family was filed by a former associate, which sources close to the family have dismissed as opportunistic.
Smith's Based on a True Story album was released in March 2025, with the accompanying tour running from June through September. The case remains ongoing.
