Hollywood star Will Smith is facing a serious lawsuit filed by violinist Brian King Joseph, who alleges sexual harassment and wrongful termination while working on Smith's concert tour.
Allegations of a Disturbing Hotel Incident
According to legal documents obtained by the Daily Mail, the central claim revolves around an event on March 20, 2025, in Las Vegas. Joseph, a top-three finalist on America's Got Talent in 2018, returned to his hotel room around 11pm to find it had been unlawfully entered.
He discovered a handwritten note addressed to him that read: 'Brian, I'll be back no later [sic] 5:30 juts us,' signed with a heart and 'Stone F.' The note was accompanied by several personal items left by an unknown person, including wipes, a beer bottle, a red backpack, a bottle of HIV medication bearing another individual’s name, an earring, and hospital discharge paperwork.
Fearing that someone would return to his room to engage in sexual acts, Joseph immediately reported the incident to hotel security, a non-emergency police line, and Smith's management team.
Retaliation and Termination Claims
Joseph's lawsuit alleges that instead of receiving support, he was subsequently 'shamed' by the tour management. He claims a manager confronted him, saying, 'everyone is telling me that what happened to you is a lie, nothing happened, and you made the whole thing up.'
Shortly after, Joseph was fired from the 'Based on a True Story: 2025' tour and replaced. The lawsuit states this retaliation caused him 'severe emotional distress, economic loss, reputational harm, and other damages', leading to PTSD and other mental illness.
Background of the Working Relationship
The professional relationship between Smith and Joseph began in November 2024 when the violinist was invited to play at Smith's home. This led to him being hired for a concert in San Diego that December and subsequently for the full 2025 tour. Joseph also performed on Smith's latest album.
The court filings suggest the two men became close, with Smith allegedly telling Joseph, 'You and I have such a special connection, that i don't share with anyone else.' Joseph's lawsuit contends that the 'facts suggest' Smith was deliberately grooming him for further sexual exploitation.
The lawsuit was filed this Tuesday at the Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles. Joseph is demanding a jury trial. Representatives for Will Smith have been contacted for comment by the Daily Mail.
