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.

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