Violinist Sues Will Smith for Harassment and Wrongful Termination

In a notable legal controversy, violinist Brian King Joseph has filed a lawsuit against actor Will Smith. The claim, which also includes Treyball Studios Management as a defendant, centers around allegations of sexual harassment, wrongful termination, and retaliation.

Allegations Against Will Smith

According to the lawsuit, filed recently and analyzed by El-Balad, Joseph accuses Smith of “predatory behavior.” He claims that Smith intentionally groomed him for sexual exploitation during the 2025 tour titled “Based on a True Story.”

Details of the Lawsuit

• Timeline: Joseph was hired in November 2024 for a performance in San Diego.
• Tour Involvement: He joined Smith’s tour in March 2025 and performed in Las Vegas.
• Management Interaction: The lawsuit highlights troubling interactions with management and Smith.

Joseph’s claims include an incident where his bag, containing his hotel room key, went missing for several hours. When it was returned, he found evidence suggesting unauthorized access to his hotel room.

Incident in Las Vegas

Upon returning to his room that night, Joseph discovered several items left behind, including:

• A bottle of HIV medication with another person’s name.
• A note suggesting further contact with a stranger.

Joseph interpreted this note as a warning of an imminent return by an unknown individual seeking to engage in sexual acts with him. He promptly reported the situation to hotel security and contacted Smith’s team, as well as notifying the police.

Retaliation and Termination

Despite reporting the incident, Joseph claims he faced retaliation shortly thereafter. A management team member allegedly accused him of fabricating the situation and subsequently terminated him.

As a result of these events, Joseph asserts that he has suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and significant economic losses. He is seeking a jury’s determination of damages based on the alleged wrongful acts.

A representative for Smith has yet to respond to these allegations publicly. The outcome of the suit could have significant implications for both Joseph and Smith, shedding light on issues of harassment and workplace safety within the entertainment industry.