Actor-musician Will Smith and his management company are facing a civil lawsuit from professional violinist Brian King Joseph. The instrumentalist alleges he was wrongfully terminated after reporting a disturbing incident in his Las Vegas hotel room during Smith’s 2025 “Based on a True Story” global tour.
The complaint, filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court, accuses Smith and Treyball Studios Management of retaliation, sexual harassment, and wrongful termination.
Will Smith’s Violinist Lawsuit Details Frightening Incident
According to the lawsuit, Joseph, an “America’s Got Talent” alum, was invited to perform on Smith’s tour and joined the first leg in March 2025. The complaint centers on an incident that allegedly occurred at a Las Vegas hotel during the tour. Joseph claims someone entered his room without forced entry and left behind personal items and a handwritten note that he interpreted as suggestive and threatening.
The suit detailed what was described as “a traumatic series of events.” Joseph’s filing stated that he found wipes, a beer bottle, a red backpack, a bottle of HIV medication bearing another name, and hospital discharge paperwork. He described more weird items, including a note that read, “Brian, I’ll be back…just us,” with a heart drawing and signed “Stone F.” He says that the sequence of events made him fear that someone intended to return for sexual contact.
The talent show star reported the situation to hotel security, a non-emergency police line, and members of Smith’s tour management. However, according to the complaint, rather than being supported, he alleges he was “shamed” by a tour representative. He also recalled being told that his concerns were fabricated. Shortly afterward, he claims he was informed that his services on the tour were no longer required, and another violinist had been hired in his place.
Claims of Retaliation and Termination
The lawsuit accuses Smith and Treyball Studios Management of firing Joseph in retaliation for reporting his concerns, rather than properly investigating the hotel room incident. The complaint seeks damages for sexual harassment, retaliation, wrongful termination, and emotional distress.
Joseph’s filing further alleges that, earlier in their working relationship, Smith made comments suggesting a personal closeness that Joseph found unusual. He claimed that they grew close over time and spent “additional alone time together.” The Washington, DC native revealed that Smith appeared to have made some personal declaration to him. He recalled the ‘Bad Boys” star telling him, “You and I have such a special connection that I don’t share with anyone else.”
The violinist competed on the 13th season of “America’s Got Talent,” where he emerged as a top 3 finalist and gained some popularity. He shared that in November 2024, Smith invited him to play at his home, which led to the tour gig. During this period, Joseph also worked with the “Fresh Prince of Bel Air” star on his latest album, “Based on a True Story.”
Smith’s Reaction To The Lawsuit
Allen B. Grodsky, an attorney for Will Smith, has since responded to the filing, calling it” baseless, false, and reckless.” “Mr Joseph’s allegations concerning my client are false, baseless, and reckless. They are categorically denied, and we will use all legal means available to address these claims,” he told People.
The legal action comes weeks after Bilaal Salaam, also known as Brother Bilaal, filed a $3 million lawsuit against Smith’s wife, Jada Pinkett Smith. Salaam, a former associate of the “Aladdin” actor, claimed that the “Girls’ Trip” actress verbally threatened him. However, the couple pushed back, describing Salaam as opportunistic.
