Will Smith sued by violinist for alleged harassment and retaliation

Will Smith begins the new year in a legal battle with his former violinist, Brian King Joseph. In his complaint, the professional musician accuses Smith of sexual harassment and retaliation. Smith’s lawyers have reportedly already responded to the allegations.

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Why is Brian King Joseph suing Will Smith?

According to PEOPLEJoseph filed his complaint in California Superior Court on December 30. He also named the actor’s company, Treyball Studios Management Inc., in the lawsuit.

Joseph alleges that Will Smith was “deliberate grooming and priming” him for sexual exploitation after an invitation to the “Based on a True Story: 2025” world tour. This happened in November 2024. A few months later, in March 2025, around the time of the album’s release, the violinist claims that a “series of traumatic events” occurred. Smith’s entire tour ran from June to September.

One incident involved unauthorized entry into his Las Vegas hotel room by an unknown person. There were no signs of forced entry. But the violinist claims he suffered a “sexual threat of violence” after allegedly finding a handwritten note saying: “Brian, I’ll be back…just us.” “Stone F” allegedly signed the note, which also featured a drawn heart. In addition to the note, Brian Joseph King claims to have found “wipes, a beer bottle, a red backpack, a bottle of HIV medication with someone else’s name on it, an earring, and hospital discharge paperwork” from someone Joseph apparently does not know. The findings reportedly frightened Brian into believing a stranger was going to return to his room to “engage in sexual acts.”

Joseph’s complaint claims he reported the break-in and items to hotel staff, a local non-emergency line and Will Smith’s management. It’s unclear how the first two entities reacted, but it appears that a member of Smith’s tour management team “shamed” Brian and fired him. Another violinist was later hired to replace Joseph, according to PEOPLE.

What is the violinist looking for?

It’s unclear whether Brian King Joseph is seeking financial compensation for the damages, but the complaint alleges he suffered on multiple fronts. The violinist said the March 2025 incident triggered “severe emotional distress” followed by “economic loss, reputational damage and other damage”. Joseph also reportedly suffered “PTSD and other mental illnesses as a result of the termination.”

Will Smith’s lawyer reacts to the lawsuit

Allen B. Grodsky, who represents Will Smith, spoke to PEOPLE about the lawsuit. He and his client deny Brian King Joseph’s allegations.

“Mr. Joseph’s allegations regarding my client are false, baseless and reckless,” Grodsky said in a Jan. 1 statement. “They are categorically denied, and we will use every legal means available to respond to these claims and ensure the truth comes to light. »

Twenty-nine days before Brian sued Will Smith, the actor’s wife was also hit by a lawsuit. Jada Pinkett Smith’s former associate Bilaal Salaam filed a lawsuit seeking $3 million after she allegedly verbally threatened him. Amid the news, a source said PEOPLE that the Smiths felt “really angry” about the lawsuit, calling it “a lot of bullshit.”

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