Will Smith Faces Lawsuit From Touring Violinist Over Alleged Harassment and Wrongful Termination

Hollywood actor and musician Will Smith is facing a civil lawsuit filed by violinist Brian King Joseph, who performed on Smith’s Based on a True Story: 2025 tour. The lawsuit, filed in the Los Angeles County Superior Court, alleges sexual harassment, retaliation and wrongful termination, stemming from events that occurred during the tour.

Brian King Joseph, a professional violinist and former America’s Got Talent finalist, was initially hired for a concert in San Diego in late 2024. He was later invited to join Smith’s global tour and contribute to the actor’s upcoming music projects. The lawsuit details an incident during the tour’s March 2025 stop in Las Vegas, where Joseph claims that someone entered his hotel room without permission. The complaint states that personal items were found inside, including a handwritten note, wipes, a beverage bottle and medication labeled with another person’s name, which Joseph interpreted as a threat of unwanted sexual contact.

Joseph asserts that he reported the incident to hotel security, local law enforcement and Smith’s management team but received little support. He alleges that he was subsequently removed from the tour, claiming that his termination was retaliatory for raising concerns about his safety and well-being. The lawsuit also includes allegations that Smith engaged in inappropriate conduct and personal comments, which Joseph described as part of a pattern of grooming behavior.

The violinist is seeking unspecified damages for emotional distress, financial losses and reputational harm, including post-traumatic stress and economic impact related to his removal from the tour.

In response, Will Smith’s legal team has strongly denied the allegations, calling them “false, baseless, and reckless” and stating that Smith intends to vigorously defend himself in court.

The lawsuit is in its early stages and no determination of fault has been made.