Will Smith Sued by Tour Violinist Over Sexual Harassment and Wrongful Termination Claims

Actor and musician Will Smith has been sued by a former tour violinist who alleges sexual harassment, wrongful termination, and retaliation. The lawsuit was filed in late December in Los Angeles and names Smith and his company, Treyball Studios Management, as defendants. The legal complaint was submitted by Brian King Joseph in the Superior Court of California on December 30. Joseph, a professional violinist, claims he was subjected to what the suit describes as “predatory behavior” during his involvement with Smith’s Based on a True Story tour.

Lawsuit Details and Allegations

According to the filing, Joseph was initially hired in November 2024 to perform at a show in San Diego. He was later invited to join Smith’s 2025 tour and to contribute to Smith’s forthcoming album. The lawsuit alleges that Smith made inappropriate comments that suggested a personal and exclusive connection between them. The complaint centers on a series of events that allegedly occurred in March 2025 while Smith was performing in Las Vegas. Joseph claims that his hotel room key went missing after his bag was lost by tour management. When he later returned to his room, he allegedly found signs that someone had entered without forced entry.

Among the items Joseph says he discovered were a handwritten note reading, “Brian, I’ll be back… just us,” signed “Stone F” with a heart drawn on it. The lawsuit further claims that wipes, a beer bottle, a backpack, an earring, hospital paperwork, and a bottle of HIV medication belonging to an unknown individual were also found in the room. Joseph alleges he feared an unknown person would return to the room and engage in sexual activity. He reported the incident to hotel security, Smith’s representatives, and the local non-emergency police line.

Termination and Emotional Distress Claims

The lawsuit states that days after reporting the incident, a member of Smith’s management team allegedly shamed Joseph and accused him of fabricating the story. Joseph claims he was then terminated from the tour.

As a result, Joseph alleges he suffered severe emotional distress, post-traumatic stress disorder, and other mental health challenges. The suit also claims economic loss and reputational damage, arguing that the termination was retaliatory. The complaint states that the hotel incident was not an isolated event but part of a broader pattern of alleged misconduct.

Will Smith’s Legal Response

Smith’s attorney, Allen B. Grodsky, strongly denied the allegations in a statement to People. He described the claims as “false, baseless, and reckless,” adding that they are categorically denied. Grodsky said Smith intends to use all available legal means to challenge the lawsuit and defend his reputation.

Tour and Career Context

Smith released his latest album, Based on a True Story, in March 2025. He performed at the House of Blues in Las Vegas on March 20, 2025, and later appeared at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. The tour officially launched in June 2025 in Rabat, Morocco. The case is ongoing, and no court rulings have been made at this time.