Will Smith Hit With Sexual Harassment, Retaliation Lawsuit
Will Smith is facing new legal trouble after violinist Brian King Joseph filed a civil lawsuit accusing the actor of sexual harassment, retaliation and wrongful termination. The complaint was filed Dec. 30 in Los Angeles County Superior Court and names both Smith and his company, Treyball Studios Management, as defendants. Joseph performed on Smith’s “Based on a True Story” 2025 tour and says the working relationship deteriorated after he reported a disturbing incident during a March tour stop.
Joseph, known for his high-profile run on “America’s Got Talent,” first met Smith in late 2024 after performing at a private event. He later joined the tour as a featured musician and collaborator. The lawsuit claims that what began as a promising artistic partnership shifted into an environment Joseph describes as unsafe and professionally damaging.
Breakdown of the Lawsuit and Allegations
According to the complaint, Joseph says the central incident occurred during a March 2025 stop in Las Vegas. He alleges that he returned to his hotel room, which had been booked by Smith’s team, and found that someone had entered without permission. The lawsuit states that a handwritten note, which said “Brian, I’ll be back…just us,” was left behind that Joseph interpreted as a sexual threat. The note was signed by “Stone F” and included a drawn heart. The filing also says the room contained items that did not belong to him, including “wipes, a beer bottle, a red backpack, hospital discharge papers for an unknown person and a bottle of HIV medication labeled with another individual’s name.”
Joseph says he immediately reported the intrusion to hotel security, local police and Smith’s representatives. He claims that instead of receiving support, he was accused of staging the incident. The lawsuit states that he was removed from the tour shortly after filing the report. Joseph argues that the removal was retaliatory and resulted in emotional distress, lost income and long-term professional harm.
The complaint also includes broader claims that Smith engaged in behavior Joseph interpreted as grooming. The filing cites private conversations and interactions that Joseph says made him uncomfortable in the months leading up to the tour. The lawsuit does not allege physical contact but frames the conduct as part of a pattern of inappropriate boundary crossing.
Will Smith Sexual Harassment Lawsuit Response
Smith has denied any and all allegations. His attorney, Allen B. Grodsky, addressed the allegations in a statement to PEOPLE on Jan 1. Grodsky said, “These allegations are false, baseless and reckless.” He added that Smith intends to defend himself vigorously.
Treyball Studios has not issued a separate statement but is listed as a co-defendant. Court filings indicate that the company disputes Joseph’s account of the incident and the circumstances surrounding his removal from the tour.
Will Smith’s Ongoing Reputation Challenges
Joseph, 33, built his reputation on high‑energy electric violin performances that mix classical training with modern production. Joining Smith’s 2025 tour was seen as a major step forward in his career before the alleged incident. The lawsuit now shifts attention to the tour’s internal environment and the obligations high-profile performers have toward the artists who work with them.
The case also arrives during a period of ongoing public scrutiny for Smith. Although unrelated to Joseph’s allegations, Smith continues to face questions about his conduct following the 2022 Oscars, when he walked onstage and slapped comedian Chris Rock during the live broadcast. The Academy later banned him from its events for 10 years. The moment remains a cultural reference point in discussions of Smith’s public behavior.
Smith launched the “Based on a True Story” 2025 tour as a creative reboot that brought together music, storytelling and multimedia performance. The lawsuit has altered that storyline and raised questions about how the tour was managed.
As the lawsuit moves ahead, the court will determine whether Joseph’s accusations meet the legal threshold for harassment, retaliation and damages. Smith’s representatives have signaled they will challenge the claims, setting the stage for a high-profile legal battle.
