Los Angeles – January 2, 2026
Academy Award-winning actor and rapper Will Smith is facing a lawsuit alleging sexual harassment, wrongful termination, retaliation, and grooming filed by professional violinist Brian King Joseph, who performed on Smith's "Based on a True Story: 2025 Tour." The civil complaint was submitted to the Superior Court of California in Los Angeles County on December 30, 2025, naming Smith and his management company, Treyball Studios Management, Inc., as defendants.
Joseph, a 33-year-old electric violinist known as "The King of Violin" and a third-place finalist on Season 13 of America's Got Talent in 2018, claims a pattern of "predatory behavior" began after he was hired by Smith in late 2024. According to the lawsuit, their professional relationship started when Joseph was invited to Smith's home in November 2024 to perform, leading to an engagement for a December concert in San Diego and subsequent inclusion on the global tour supporting Smith's album Based on a True Story, released in March 2025.
The complaint alleges that Smith made comments fostering an unusually close bond, such as telling Joseph, "You and I have such a special connection that I don’t have with anyone else," and similar expressions. Joseph contends these interactions were part of deliberate "grooming and priming" for "further sexual exploitation."
The central incident detailed in the suit occurred on or around March 20, 2025, during the tour's Las Vegas leg. Joseph claims his bag, containing his hotel room key, was misplaced by tour management and returned hours later. Upon entering his room that evening, he allegedly discovered signs of unauthorized entry without forced breakage.
Items reportedly left behind included wipes, a beer bottle, a red backpack, an earring, a bottle of HIV medication bearing another person's name, hospital discharge paperwork for an unknown individual, and a handwritten note reading: "Brian, I’ll be back no later [sic] 5:30, just us" with a drawn heart, signed "Stone F." Joseph interpreted this as evidence of a "sexual threat of violence," fearing an unknown person intended to return for non-consensual acts.
He immediately reported the matter to hotel security, a non-emergency police line, and Smith's tour representatives, providing photos and a timeline while requesting only safety measures, not compensation. Days later, Joseph alleges a management team member "shamed" him, accused him of fabricating the story, blamed him for the incident, and informed him of his termination, citing the tour "moving in a different direction." Another violinist was promptly hired as his replacement, which the suit claims undermines the pretextual reason for dismissal.
The lawsuit accuses the defendants of violations including retaliation under California's Fair Employment and Housing Act and Labor Code, and sexual harassment. Joseph seeks compensatory and punitive damages for alleged severe emotional distress, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), economic losses from tour investments and lost income, reputational harm, and other impacts.
Brian King Joseph, a Washington, D.C. native, gained prominence through his dynamic performances blending classical violin with pop and hip-hop elements. His America's Got Talent appearance showcased his self-taught skills, starting violin at age four. He has since built a career as a producer and composer, often sharing high-energy videos on social media.
Smith's attorney, Allen B. Grodsky, responded swiftly, stating: "Mr. Joseph’s allegations concerning my client are false, baseless, and reckless. They are categorically denied, and we will use all legal means available to address these claims and to ensure that the truth is brought to light." As of January 2, neither Smith nor Treyball Studios Management has issued further public comment.
The allegations arrive amid Smith's ongoing career resurgence following the 2022 Oscars incident and his 2025 music comeback. The tour, spanning multiple continents from spring through September 2025, marked a return to live performances promoting his introspective album.
Legal experts note that such workplace harassment claims in the entertainment industry often hinge on evidence of power imbalances and retaliatory actions. The case highlights ongoing discussions about safety protocols on tours and accountability for high-profile figures.
As proceedings begin, the lawsuit could draw significant scrutiny, with potential implications for Smith's public image and industry practices. Discovery and court filings in the coming months may provide additional details.
