Will Smith Sued by Violinist Alleging Sexual Harassment, Wrongful Termination

Actor and musician Will Smith is facing a new legal challenge as professional violinist Brian King Joseph has filed a lawsuit against him and his company, Treyball Studios Management, Inc., alleging sexual harassment, retaliation, and wrongful termination. 

?? What the Lawsuit Claims

According to court documents filed on Dec. 30, 2025, in the Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles, Joseph - a violinist and top-three finalist on America''s Got Talent - says he was invited to join Smith''s Based on a True Story: 2025 Tour after performing with the team in late 2024. 

Joseph claims that during the tour, his hotel room in Las Vegas - booked by Smith''s management - was unlawfully entered. He alleges that a disturbing scene awaited him, including a handwritten note suggesting an unwanted encounter, a beer bottle, personal items not belonging to him, and a bottle of HIV medication with another person''s name on it. 

Joseph says he reported the incident to hotel staff, local authorities, and tour management - only to be shamed and ultimately fired shortly afterward. The lawsuit asserts that he was wrongfully terminated in retaliation for reporting what he believed to be a threat, and that another violinist was quickly hired to replace him. 

?? Allegations of Grooming

In addition to wrongful termination and retaliation claims, Joseph alleges that Smith engaged in patterns of inappropriate behavior and "grooming" during their interactions on the tour. The complaint quotes Smith as telling Joseph things like "You and I have such a special connection that I don''t have with anyone else," suggesting an unusually close personal relationship. 

?? Damage and Legal Claims

The lawsuit contends that Joseph suffered severe emotional distress, PTSD, reputational harm, and financial loss as a result of how the situation unfolded. He is seeking compensatory and punitive damages, along with legal costs and other relief from the court. 

?? What''s Next

So far, representatives for Will Smith or Treyball Studios Management have not publicly responded to the lawsuit. With the complaint now in the legal system, any forthcoming court filings or statements from either side will help clarify the next steps in the case. 

This lawsuit comes amid a period of heightened scrutiny for both Smith and members of his family, following another unrelated legal claim filed against Jada Pinkett Smith in recent weeks.