Will Smith Sued for Alleged Sexual Harassment and Retaliation by Former Tour Violinist
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A lawsuit filed this week alleges Will Smith and his company, Treyball Studios Management, Inc., engaged in a pattern of predatory behavior and retaliatory firing against a former violinist on his “Based on a True Story: 2025” world tour. The civil complaint details disturbing allegations of harassment and a subsequent cover-up following the musician’s report of a potential security breach.
Allegations of Grooming and a Disturbing Hotel Incident
Brian King Joseph, a former finalist on America’s Got Talent, claims he was subjected to a “traumatic series of events” beginning in March 2025 while working with Smith. The lawsuit, filed in California Superior Court and obtained by Entertainment Weekly, alleges Smith engaged in “deliberately grooming” behavior, telling Joseph during a meeting, “You and I have such a special connection that I don’t have with anyone else.”
The complaint further details a deeply unsettling incident in a Las Vegas hotel room. Joseph alleges an unknown individual trespassed into his room, leaving behind evidence described as a “sexual threat of violence.” This evidence included “wet wipes, a beer bottle, a red backpack, a bottle of HIV medication with someone else’s name on it, an earring, and hospital discharge papers” belonging to an unidentified person. A handwritten note, signed with a heart and the initials “Stone F.,” reportedly read: “Brian, I’ll be back…just us.”
Reporting the Incident and Alleged Retaliation
Following the discovery of the items in his hotel room, Joseph reported the incident to hotel staff, a local non-emergency police line, and Smith’s management. However, he alleges that a crew member responded dismissively, “embarrassed” him, and warned he would be fired. The lawsuit argues Joseph’s termination was a direct act of retaliation for reporting the incident.
The complaint further asserts that the swift hiring of a replacement violinist was a deliberate attempt to conceal Joseph’s removal from the tour. “The circumstances of the hotel intrusion point to a pattern of predatory behavior rather than an isolated incident,” the lawsuit states.
Seeking Damages for Emotional and Economic Harm
Joseph is seeking compensation for “severe emotional distress, economic loss, reputational damage and other damages.” He claims to be suffering from PTSD and other mental health conditions as a result of the alleged incident and subsequent events. The lawsuit underscores the severity of the emotional toll taken on the musician.
This is a developing story, and time.news will continue to provide updates as they become available.
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