Friday, January 2, 2026- Hollywood star Will Smith is facing a serious lawsuit filed by professional violinist Brian King Joseph, who alleges sexual harassment, wrongful termination, retaliation, and emotional distress related to incidents during Smith’s “Based on a True Story: 2025” tour.
The complaint was filed on December 30, 2025, in the Superior Court of California in Los Angeles, naming both Smith and his company, Treyball Studios Management, as defendants. Joseph, a former touring musician and America’s Got Talent finalist, claims the situation has caused him significant harm and is seeking damages through a jury trial.
According to the lawsuit, Joseph was hired in late 2024 to perform with Smith and was later invited to join the 2025 tour and contribute to an upcoming album. As their professional relationship developed, he alleges Smith made comments suggesting a uniquely close bond. Central to the case is an alleged Las Vegas hotel incident in March 2025 where Joseph claims his hotel room — arranged by Smith’s tour management — was entered without his consent.
He says he found items that did not belong to him and a handwritten note implying a potential sexual encounter, which left him fearful. After reporting the matter to hotel security, local police, and tour management, Joseph claims he was shamed, dismissed from the tour several days later, and replaced by another violinist. These actions, he says, amounted to retaliation and wrongful termination.
Smith’s legal team has strongly denied the allegations, with his attorney calling them “false, baseless, and reckless” and stating that all available legal avenues will be pursued to address the claims.
As this case unfolds, it adds to a turbulent period for the actor-musician in the public eye, who has not yet issued a personal statement regarding the lawsuit. Joseph’s complaint highlights emotional injury, financial loss, and reputational damage as key impacts of the events described in his legal filing.
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