Violinist Brian King Joseph has filed a lawsuit against Hollywood star Will Smith, alleging sexual harassment and wrongful termination during the actor’s “Based on a True Story: 2025” tour.
Joseph, a 32-year-old musician who rose to fame as a top finalist on America’s Got Talent, claims that his professional relationship with Smith was cut short after he reported a disturbing security breach in his hotel room. According to court documents filed in Los Angeles on Tuesday, the musician believes he was being deliberately groomed for sexual exploitation before being fired in retaliation for speaking out.
The legal filing details a specific incident from March 20, 2025, during a tour stop in Las Vegas, where Joseph allegedly returned to his room to find that an unknown person had entered without force. He claims to have discovered a handwritten note indicating someone would return later for a private meeting, alongside various personal items including wipes, a beer bottle, and hospital discharge papers belonging to a stranger. Joseph reported the matter to hotel security and Smith’s management but alleges that instead of receiving support, he was shamed by tour staff and accused of fabricating the story to seek special treatment.
Okay News reports that the lawsuit describes a pattern of behavior where Smith supposedly fostered an unusually close connection with the violinist, leading to significant alone time before the Las Vegas incident occurred. Joseph asserts that his subsequent firing and replacement on the tour caused him severe emotional distress, reputational harm, and the onset of PTSD. He is currently seeking a jury trial and damages for economic loss and the mental health decline he suffered following the termination of his contract.
In response to the allegations, Will Smith’s attorney, Allen B. Grodsky, has issued a firm denial, characterizing the claims as false, baseless, and reckless. The legal team stated that they categorically deny all accusations and intend to use all available legal means to contest the suit and ensure the truth is brought to light. The case remains ongoing as both parties prepare for further proceedings in the Superior Court of California.
