Hollywood actor and musician Will Smith is facing a new legal challenge after a professional violinist who performed on his 2025 global tour filed a civil lawsuit late last month, alleging sexual harassment, wrongful termination, and retaliation.
The lawsuit was filed on Dec. 30, 2025, in the Superior Court of California, Los Angeles County by Brian King Joseph, a violinist who gained recognition as a top-three finalist on America’s Got Talent in 2018. Joseph claims he was invited to join Smith’s “Based on a True Story: 2025” tour late last year and was later dismissed in retaliation after reporting a concerning incident during a tour stop in Las Vegas.
Allegations in the Complaint
According to the complaint, Joseph alleges that in March 2025, while on tour in Las Vegas, he returned to his hotel room — arranged by Smith’s management — to find evidence that someone had entered without his permission. The suit states that inside the room were personal items that did not belong to him, including wipes, a beer bottle, a backpack, hospital discharge paperwork, and a bottle of HIV medication under another person’s name, as well as a handwritten note signed with “Stone F” that read, “Brian, I’ll be back… just us.” Joseph says he feared a “sexual threat of violence” and reported the matter to hotel staff, local police and members of Smith’s tour team.
The lawsuit further alleges that instead of a proper investigation and support, Joseph was shamed by tour management and told he was being terminated. According to the filing, another violinist was quickly hired to replace him — an action Joseph interprets as retaliation for reporting the incident.
In addition, the complaint alleges that Smith engaged in “grooming and priming” Joseph for sexual exploitation in the months leading up to the tour, citing private comments from Smith about their connection. The suit claims that this behavior, paired with the hotel incident, points to a broader pattern of alleged misconduct.
Legal Claims and Damages Sought
Joseph’s lawsuit accuses Smith and his management company, Treyball Studios Management, Inc., of sexual harassment, retaliation, wrongful termination and violations of California employment and civil-rights laws. The violinist is seeking compensatory and punitive damages for emotional distress, economic loss, reputational harm and ongoing trauma, including PTSD allegedly caused by the incident and his subsequent firing.
Response and Context
Representatives for Will Smith and Treyball Studios have not publicly commented on the lawsuit as of early Jan. 1, 2026. The actor — best known for his Academy Award-winning film career as well as his music — concluded his Based on a True Story tour in September 2025.
The lawsuit adds to recent legal spotlight on the Smith family’s public profile, coming shortly after a separate $3 million lawsuit filed against Jada Pinkett Smith by a former associate.
What’s Next
The case is in its early stages, and it remains to be seen how the court will address the serious allegations. A trial date has not yet been set, and either side could pursue motions or settlement discussions before the matter proceeds further.
