MEXICO CITY, MEXICO - MAY 31: Will Smith poses during a photoshoot for the movie 'Bad Boys: Ride or Die' at Angel de la Independencia on May 31, 2024 in Mexico City, Mexico. (Photo by Hector Vivas/Getty Images)
Will Smith is kicking off the new year in a legal tussle 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.
According to PEOPLE, Joseph filed his complaint in the Superior Court of California on Dec. 30. He also named the actor’s company, Treyball Studios Management Inc., in the lawsuit.
Joseph alleges that Will Smith was “deliberately grooming and priming” him for sexual exploitation after an invite for the global tour, ‘Based on a True Story: 2025.’ That happened in November 2024. Months later, in March 2025, amid the album’s release, the violinist alleges that a “traumatic series of events” occurred. Smith’s full 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 says he experienced a “sexual threat of violence” after allegedly finding a handwritten note that said, “Brian, I’ll be back…just us.” “Stone F” reportedly signed the note, which also had a drawn heart. In addition to the note, Brian Joseph King alleges he found “wipes, a beer bottle, a red backpack, a bottle of HIV medication with someone else’s name, an earring and hospital discharge paperwork” from someone Joseph allegedly doesn’t know.” The findings reportedly scared Brian into thinking someone unknown was going to return to his room to “engage in sexual acts.”
Joseph’s complaint claims he reported the break-in and items to the hotel staff, a local non-emergency line and Will Smith’s management. It’s unclear how the first two entities responded, but allegedly, a member of Smith’s tour management team “shamed” Brian and fired him. Another violinist was later hired to replace Joseph, per PEOPLE.
It’s unclear whether Brian King Joseph is seeking financial compensation for damages, but the complaint alleges he suffered on multiple fronts. The violinist said the March 2025 incident sparked “severe emotional distress” followed by “economic loss, reputational harm and other damages.” Joseph also allegedly experiences “PTSD and other mental illness as a result of the termination.”
Allen B. Grodsky, who represents Will Smith, talked to PEOPLE about the lawsuit. He and his client are denying Brian King Joseph’s allegations.
“Mr. Josephs allegations concerning my client are false, baseless, and reckless,” Grodsky said in a statement on Jan. 1. “They are categorically denied, and we will use all legal means available to address these claims and to ensure that the truth is brought to light.”
Twenty-nine days before Brian sued Will Smith, the actor’s wife was also hit with a lawsuit. Jada Pinkett Smith’s former associate, Bilaal Salaam, filed a complaint seeking $3 million after she allegedly verbally threatened him. Amid the news, a source told PEOPLE that the Smiths felt “really mad” over the lawsuit, calling it a “lot of crap.”
