Will Smith has been sued for sexual harassment and wrongful termination by a former member of his touring ensemble, according to a lawsuit filed this week in Los Angeles County Superior Court. The allegations, which stem from events that allegedly occurred during Smith’s recent concert tour, have been categorically denied by the actor through his attorney.
The plaintiff, violinist Brian King Joseph, rose to national prominence after finishing as a top-three finalist on America’s Got Talent in 2018. He claims he was hired to perform on Smith’s Based on a True Story: 2025 tour before being abruptly fired after reporting what he described as a disturbing incident at a Las Vegas hotel.
Smith, through legal counsel, has rejected all allegations as false and reckless.
From Talent Show Star to Touring Musician
Joseph, now 32, built a successful career after his appearance on the NBC talent competition, performing internationally and collaborating with high-profile artists. According to his court filings, his professional relationship with Smith began in November 2024, when he was invited to play violin for the actor at Smith’s home.
Joseph alleges that the private performance led to further professional opportunities, including a December 2024 concert appearance in San Diego and a paid position on Smith’s subsequent Based on a True Story: 2025 tour.
Over the course of the tour and related recording sessions, Joseph claims he and Smith spent increasing amounts of time together, both professionally and socially. The lawsuit alleges that Smith made comments suggesting a uniquely close bond between the two.
According to the filing, Smith allegedly told Joseph at one point: “You and I have such a special connection, that I don’t share with anyone else.”
The Las Vegas Hotel Incident
The lawsuit centers on an incident Joseph says occurred on March 20, 2025, during a tour stop in Las Vegas. According to the complaint, touring musicians and crew were assigned hotel rooms through a centralized system, with room numbers and access details distributed on a shared spreadsheet.
Joseph alleges that he returned to his hotel room around 11 p.m. and discovered it had been unlawfully entered by an unknown individual. While hotel security reportedly found no signs of forced entry, Joseph claims he found several items inside the room that did not belong to him.
Among them, according to the lawsuit, was a handwritten note reading: “Brian, I’ll be back no later [sic] 5:30 just us,” accompanied by a heart symbol and signed “Stone F.”
The filing further alleges the room contained wipes, a beer bottle, a red backpack, an earring, hospital discharge paperwork, and a bottle of HIV medication bearing another individual’s name.
Fear, Reports, and Fallout
Joseph claims the discovery left him fearful that someone would return to his room to engage in sexual activity without his consent. According to the lawsuit, he immediately contacted hotel security, reported the matter to a non-emergency police line, and notified Smith’s management team.
He also alleges he documented the scene by taking photographs and requested a room change for safety reasons. In the filing, Joseph emphasizes that he did not seek special treatment or compensation, stating his primary concern was personal safety.
However, Joseph claims his actions were met with hostility rather than support. According to the lawsuit, members of the tour’s management team later confronted him, allegedly accusing him of fabricating the incident.
One manager is quoted in the filing as telling him: “Everyone is telling me that what happened to you is a lie, nothing happened, and you made the whole thing up.”
Alleged Retaliation and Termination
Joseph alleges he was fired from the tour shortly after reporting the incident and replaced by another musician. The lawsuit claims the termination was retaliatory and caused significant personal and professional harm.
He is seeking damages for emotional distress, economic loss, and reputational damage, as well as compensation for what he describes as lasting psychological effects.
The filing states that Joseph suffered “severe emotional distress” and later developed PTSD and other mental health conditions as a result of both the alleged incident and his dismissal from the tour.
Joseph further alleges that the overall pattern of behavior suggests he was deliberately groomed and primed for sexual exploitation, a claim Smith strongly denies.
Smith’s Legal Team Pushes Back
Smith’s attorney, Allen B. Grodsky, issued a statement responding to the lawsuit, firmly denying the accusations.
“Mr. Joseph’s allegations concerning my client are false, baseless, and reckless,” the statement read. “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.”
Smith himself has not commented publicly beyond the attorney’s statement.
A High-Profile Case With High Stakes
The lawsuit was filed Tuesday and requests a jury trial. As of now, no criminal charges have been announced, and the case remains a civil matter.
Legal experts note that cases involving touring musicians can be complex, particularly when questions of access, authority, and retaliation are involved. The outcome may hinge on corroborating evidence, hotel records, witness testimony, and internal tour communications.
For Smith, one of Hollywood’s most recognizable figures, the allegations represent another serious controversy following years of intense public scrutiny. For Joseph, the case represents an attempt to reclaim his reputation and seek accountability through the courts.
What Happens Next
The case is expected to move through preliminary motions in the coming months. Smith’s legal team is likely to seek dismissal, while Joseph’s attorneys prepare to present evidence supporting his claims.
Until then, both sides remain entrenched in sharply conflicting versions of events — one alleging exploitation and retaliation, the other calling the lawsuit a complete fabrication.
As the legal process unfolds, the court will ultimately determine which account holds up under scrutiny.
Emily Johnson is a critically acclaimed essayist and novelist known for her thought-provoking works centered on feminism, women’s rights, and modern relationships. Born and raised in Portland, Oregon, Emily grew up with a deep love of books, often spending her afternoons at her local library. She went on to study literature and gender studies at UCLA, where she became deeply involved in activism and began publishing essays in campus journals. Her debut essay collection, Voices Unbound, struck a chord with readers nationwide for its fearless exploration of gender dynamics, identity, and the challenges faced by women in contemporary society. Emily later transitioned into fiction, writing novels that balance compelling storytelling with social commentary. Her protagonists are often strong, multidimensional women navigating love, ambition, and the struggles of everyday life, making her a favorite among readers who crave authentic, relatable narratives. Critics praise her ability to merge personal intimacy with universal themes. Off the page, Emily is an advocate for women in publishing, leading workshops that encourage young female writers to embrace their voices. She lives in Seattle with her partner and two rescue cats, where she continues to write, teach, and inspire a new generation of storytellers.
