Lawsuit Filed Against Will Smith by Violinist for Alleged Misconduct

Actor and musician Will Smith is now facing legal action as violinist Brian King Joseph, who was part of Smith’s Based on a True Story 2025 tour, has accused him of serious misconduct.

Joseph has initiated a lawsuit against Will Smith and Treyball Studios Management, claiming sexual harassment, retaliation, and wrongful termination. He alleges he was first contracted in November 2024 for a San Diego performance and later invited to participate in the 2025 tour and upcoming musical endeavors.

The complaint asserts that as their working relationship progressed, Smith made numerous personal comments suggesting they shared an exceptional emotional bond. One of the statements noted in the filing says, “You and I have such a special connection that I don’t have with anyone else.”

An incident mentioned in the lawsuit reportedly occurred during the Las Vegas segment of the tour in March 2025. Joseph claims his hotel room key was misplaced for hours and was returned by the management team, who he asserts were the only ones with access to his quarters.

Upon returning to his room, Joseph reportedly found evidence of unauthorized entry. He alleges he discovered unknown items, such as wipes, a bottle of HIV medications labeled with a different individual’s name, and a handwritten note addressed to him stating, “Brian, I’ll be back no later [sic] 5:30, just us,” accompanied by a heart symbol and the name “Stone F.”

Feeling threatened by the message, Joseph contended that it indicated someone intended to return to his lodging without permission. He promptly alerted hotel security, informed tour representatives, and reported the matter to local authorities using a non-emergency line.

Despite his efforts to report the situation, Joseph claims he was accused of fabricating the story by a member of the management team. He was subsequently notified that his position with the tour had been terminated.

According to the lawsuit, this dismissal led to intense emotional distress, including post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms, alongside financial and career-related setbacks. Joseph is pursuing damages for sexual harassment, retaliation, and wrongful termination, with the compensation amount to be decided by a jury.