Will Smith has been sued by a musician alleging sexual harassment, wrongful termination, and violations of federal and state labor codes.
Brian King Joseph, a violinist who performed on Smith’s 2025 Based on a True Story tour, filed the lawsuit in Los Angeles County Superior Court on Tuesday, Dec. 30.
The 15-page complaint, which was obtained by People and also posted online by X account Document Tingz, says Joseph was subjected to a “traumatic series of events.”
Allegations Detailed
Joseph claims that during a tour stop in Las Vegas in March 2025, he returned to his hotel room at around 11p.m. and found it had been “unlawfully entered” with “no signs of forced entry.”
According to the complaint, an “unknown” person left a note saying, “Brian, I’ll be back… just us.” The suit says the note was signed “Stone F,” and had a heart emoji on it.
The lawsuit says the person also left behind “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.
The musician alleges he “feared that an unknown individual would soon return to his room to engage in sexual acts.”
The lawsuit says besides hotel employees, the only people with access to his room were Smith’s management staff. According to Joseph, he reported the incident to hotel security, a non-emergency police line, and Smith’s management, which booked the room.
The musician says a representative for Smith told him his claims were a “lie” and that he “made the whole thing up.” The complaint goes on to claim Joseph faced retaliation, was “shamed” by tour management and fired, leading to “severe emotional distress, economic loss, reputational harm.”
The lawsuit additionally alleges “Willard Carroll Smith II was deliberately grooming and priming Mr. Joseph for further sexual exploitation.”
Smith Denies Allegations
In a statement to People, Smith’s attorney Allen B. Grodsky, accused Joseph of lying.
“Mr. Joseph’s allegations concerning my client are false, baseless, and reckless,” Grodsky said. “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.”
Joseph rose to prominence when he competed on season 13 of America’s Got Talent in 2018. The violinist received a standing ovation during his audition and made it to the final 3 of the NBC competition series.
Introduction to Smith
Joseph frequently plays at Hollywood events and posts performance videos on Instagram that go viral.
The lawsuit says he was invited to Smith’s home for an introduction in November 2024. He was then hired to play at Smith’s concert the next month in San Diego, and subsequently brought on for the superstar actor and rapper’s Based on a True Story tour. Joseph also performed on Smith’s latest album.
The lawsuit says Joseph became close to Smith and the two spent “additional alone time” together. Joseph claims Smith told him “you and I have such a special connection, that I don’t share with anyone else.”
The musician is also suing Treyball Studios Management, and seeking unspecified damages.
Joseph is represented by Los Angeles-based attorney Jonathan Delshad, the same lawyer representing two men alleging they were sexually assaulted by Tyler Perry, which the filmmaker denies.
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