Will Smith is facing serious legal trouble after a musician filed a lawsuit accusing the actor of sexual harassment, retaliation, and wrongful termination during his recent tour.
According to court documents obtained by Variety, violinist and America’s Got Talent alum Brian King Joseph filed suit against Smith and his company, Treyball Studios Management, alleging that the star engaged in “predatory behavior” and “deliberately grooming and priming Mr. Joseph for further sexual exploitation” while on the Based on a True Story: 2025 Tour.
The lawsuit claims Smith first hired Joseph in November 2024 for a San Diego performance and later invited him to join his full 2025 tour as both a performer and potential collaborator on an upcoming album. As their working relationship developed, Smith allegedly made several personal comments suggesting a “special connection” with Joseph.
Things reportedly took a darker turn during the tour’s first leg in Las Vegas in March 2025. The filing states that Joseph’s hotel room was unlawfully entered after his bag—and his room key—went missing for several hours. When he returned, he allegedly found wipes, a bottle of HIV medication labeled with another person’s name, and a handwritten note reading, “Brian, I’ll be back no later [sic] 5:30, just us (heart), Stone F.”
Joseph says he immediately reported the incident to hotel security, Smith’s management, and the police. Days later, however, he claims he was “shamed” by a member of Smith’s team and abruptly fired, with the implication that he had fabricated the situation.
The lawsuit states that Joseph has since suffered emotional trauma, including symptoms of PTSD, and significant financial losses. He is suing for sexual harassment, wrongful termination, and retaliation, with damages to be determined by a jury.
Representatives for Will Smith have not yet commented on the allegations.
