Hollywood star Will Smith is facing a serious legal challenge after being accused of sexual harassment and retaliatory firing by a musician who worked on his recent global tour.
Allegations of Predatory Behaviour and a Hotel Room Intrusion
In a lawsuit filed in California Superior Court this week, violinist and America's Got Talent finalist Brian King Joseph alleges he was subjected to a "traumatic series of events" in March 2025 while employed for Smith's Based on a True Story: 2025 world tour. The complaint details an alleged pattern of grooming by Smith, who is claimed to have told Joseph, "You and I have such a special connection that I don't have with anyone else."
The legal filing states that the situation escalated when someone gained unauthorised access to Joseph's Las Vegas hotel room. The musician allegedly found a disturbing collection of items left behind, which he interpreted as a sexual threat of violence. These items reportedly included used wipes, a beer bottle, a red backpack, a bottle of HIV medication bearing another person's name, an earring, and hospital discharge paperwork.
A handwritten note signed with a heart and the name "Stone F." was also discovered, reading: "Brian, I'll be back... just us." The lawsuit argues this was not an isolated event but part of a wider pattern of predatory behaviour.
Retaliation and a Swift Dismissal
After discovering the intrusion, Brian King Joseph reported the incident to hotel security, a local non-emergency police line, and Will Smith's management team. According to the lawsuit, the response from one member of Smith's team was to "shame" Joseph and inform him he would be fired from the tour.
Joseph was subsequently dropped from the production. The legal complaint contends his dismissal was retaliatory and that the prompt hiring of a replacement violinist was an attempt to cover up the real reasons for his removal.
Firm Denials and Legal Battle Ahead
Will Smith's legal representative has issued a strong rebuttal to all allegations. In a statement, Smith's lawyer said: "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."
Brian King Joseph is seeking compensation for damages including severe emotional distress, economic loss, and reputational harm. He also claims to suffer from PTSD and other mental illness as a result of the alleged events. The case, which names both Will Smith and his management company Treyball Studios Management, Inc., is now set to proceed through the California courts.
