Will Smith is kicking off 2026 with a massive legal headache. The Oscar-winning actor has been sued by his former tour violinist, Brian King Joseph, for sexual harassment, retaliation, and wrongful termination. In a complaint filed in Los Angeles Superior Court on December 30, the musician accuses Smith and his production company, Treyball Studios Management, of fostering a “predatory” work environment. The suit includes disturbing allegations of grooming and a terrifying incident involving an intruder in a Las Vegas hotel room.
Smith’s legal team has already come out swinging. They categorically denied the claims, calling them “baseless and reckless,” in a statement released Friday morning.
photo credit: brian king/instagram
Brian King Joseph is best known to fans as the high-energy electric violinist from Season 13 of America’s Got Talent. He claims his professional relationship with Smith began in November 2024. According to the lawsuit, things took a dark turn almost immediately.
Joseph alleges that the 57-year-old actor engaged in a pattern of “grooming and priming” him for “sexual exploitation.” The filing claims Smith made uncomfortable comments to the musician while they were alone, preparing for the Based on a True Story tour.
One specific allegation states that Smith told Joseph, “You and I have such a special connection that I don’t have with anyone else.” Joseph claims this behavior left him feeling vulnerable and targeted long before the tour buses even left the garage.
The centerpiece of the lawsuit is a bizarre and frightening event that allegedly occurred in March 2025. Joseph claims he returned to his Las Vegas hotel room to find that someone had entered without his consent. There were no signs of forced entry. Inside, he found a collection of disturbing items left behind. These included used wipes, a beer bottle, a red backpack, and a bottle of HIV medication prescribed to a stranger.
Most chilling was a handwritten note left on the desk. It reportedly read: “Brian, I’ll be back no later than 5:30, just us <3, Stone F.”
Joseph says he interpreted this as a threat of sexual violence. He immediately reported the intrusion to hotel security and Smith’s management team. He believed he was in danger.
Instead of receiving protection, Joseph claims he was punished. The lawsuit alleges that Smith’s management “shamed” him for reporting the incident and accused him of lying.
Days later, he was fired. Management reportedly told him the tour was “moving in a different direction.” However, Joseph points out that another violinist immediately replaced him. He argues this proves the termination was direct retaliation for his complaints.
The musician is now seeking damages for severe emotional distress, PTSD, and economic loss. He claims the experience derailed his career and left him with significant mental health struggles.
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Will Smith has not stayed silent. His attorney, Allen B. Grodsky, issued a blistering denial to the press on Friday.
“Mr. Joseph’s allegations concerning my client are false, baseless, and reckless,” Grodsky stated. “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.”
This is the second major lawsuit to hit the Smith family in recent months. In December, Smith’s wife, Jada Pinkett Smith, was sued by a former associate for alleged verbal threats.
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