Will Smith Sued by Violinist Brian King Joseph for Sexual Harassment and Wrongful Termination
Actor and musician Will Smith is facing a serious legal challenge after professional violinist Brian King Joseph filed a lawsuit against him and his management company, Treyball Studios Management, Inc. The lawsuit alleges sexual harassment, wrongful termination , and retaliation linked to Smith’s Based on a True Story 2025 global tour. The complaint was filed in the Los Angeles County Superior Court on December 30, 2025, and has since attracted significant international media attention.
According to the civil complaint reviewed by Variety and other outlets, Joseph, a seasoned musician who rose to wide recognition as a top-three finalist on America’s Got Talent in 2018 was first hired by Smith to perform at a 2024 San Diego show. He was later invited to join Smith’s 2025 world tour to both play violin and contribute to the recording of tracks on Smith’s then-upcoming album.
Joseph’s lawsuit presents a troubling account of alleged misconduct and escalating discomfort. He claims that as his professional relationship with Smith progressed, the actor made comments that Joseph perceived as overly personal and suggestive. These allegedly included remarks such as, “You and I have such a special connection that I don’t have with anyone else.” The complaint characterises this behaviour as part of a calculated pattern intended to groom him for alleged sexual exploitation.
The lawsuit centres on an incident that reportedly occurred during the tour’s March 2025 stop in Las Vegas. Joseph claims he returned to his hotel room - booked by Smith’s tour team - to find indications that someone had entered without his knowledge. According to the complaint, the room contained several disturbing items, including a handwritten note addressed to him that read, “Brian, I’ll be back… just us,” along with a beer bottle, wipes, a bottle of HIV medication bearing another individual’s name, and hospital discharge paperwork that did not belong to him. Joseph stated that he interpreted these findings as signs of a potential sexual threat or intrusion.
Joseph alleges that he immediately reported the incident to hotel security, local authorities via a non-emergency police line, and representatives of Smith’s management team. However, instead of receiving support, he claims that a member of the tour’s management shamed him over the incident. Days later, he was allegedly informed that he was being removed from the tour. While management reportedly cited that the production was “moving in a different direction,” Joseph contends that he was swiftly replaced by another violinist, which he believes demonstrates retaliatory intent.
As part of the legal action, which includes claims of sexual harassment, retaliation, and wrongful termination, Joseph is seeking financial compensation for severe emotional distress, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), reputational harm, and economic losses allegedly resulting from both the incident and his dismissal from the tour.
As of now, representatives for Will Smith and Treyball Studios Management have not issued any public statement regarding the lawsuit.
According to the civil complaint reviewed by Variety and other outlets, Joseph, a seasoned musician who rose to wide recognition as a top-three finalist on America’s Got Talent in 2018 was first hired by Smith to perform at a 2024 San Diego show. He was later invited to join Smith’s 2025 world tour to both play violin and contribute to the recording of tracks on Smith’s then-upcoming album.
Joseph’s lawsuit presents a troubling account of alleged misconduct and escalating discomfort. He claims that as his professional relationship with Smith progressed, the actor made comments that Joseph perceived as overly personal and suggestive. These allegedly included remarks such as, “You and I have such a special connection that I don’t have with anyone else.” The complaint characterises this behaviour as part of a calculated pattern intended to groom him for alleged sexual exploitation.
The lawsuit centres on an incident that reportedly occurred during the tour’s March 2025 stop in Las Vegas. Joseph claims he returned to his hotel room - booked by Smith’s tour team - to find indications that someone had entered without his knowledge. According to the complaint, the room contained several disturbing items, including a handwritten note addressed to him that read, “Brian, I’ll be back… just us,” along with a beer bottle, wipes, a bottle of HIV medication bearing another individual’s name, and hospital discharge paperwork that did not belong to him. Joseph stated that he interpreted these findings as signs of a potential sexual threat or intrusion.
Joseph alleges that he immediately reported the incident to hotel security, local authorities via a non-emergency police line, and representatives of Smith’s management team. However, instead of receiving support, he claims that a member of the tour’s management shamed him over the incident. Days later, he was allegedly informed that he was being removed from the tour. While management reportedly cited that the production was “moving in a different direction,” Joseph contends that he was swiftly replaced by another violinist, which he believes demonstrates retaliatory intent.
As part of the legal action, which includes claims of sexual harassment, retaliation, and wrongful termination, Joseph is seeking financial compensation for severe emotional distress, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), reputational harm, and economic losses allegedly resulting from both the incident and his dismissal from the tour.
As of now, representatives for Will Smith and Treyball Studios Management have not issued any public statement regarding the lawsuit.
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