Oscar-winning actor Will Smith has landed in legal trouble after his tour violinist Brian King Joseph reportedly filed a lawsuit over sexual harassment allegations against him.
Joseph alleged that Smith fired him for reporting a hotel room intrusion. Former finalist on 'America's Got Talent', Joseph has sought damages from Will Smith and his company, Treyball Studios Management, for the misconduct.
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The incident
Brian King Joseph performed with Will Smith during his 'Based on a True Story 2025' tour during which the misconduct happened. The lawsuit alleges that Smith and Joseph made a "special connection" and as they spent more time together, Smith said that he did not have such a connection with anyone else, documents state.
The legal case banks on one incident during the tour's first leg in March 2025 in Las Vegas. Joseph joined the band and crew at a hotel where he claims his bag went missing for hours and was later returned by the management. The lawsuit also mentions that members of the management were the "only individuals with access to [his] room.'
On returning to his room, Brian realised someone had entered it sans his permission. He reportedly stated that items had been left behind in his room. These included wipes, a bottle of HIV medication with another person's name and a handwritten note reading, "Brian, I'll be back no later [sic] 5:30, just us (drawn heart), Stone F.” Brian says he took the note as a warning that 'an unknown individual would soon return to his room to engage in sexual acts' with him.
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'Severe emotional stress'
Brian says that following this incident, he immediately informed the hotel security and Smith's representatives. He also reported the details to a non-emergency police line. However, within a few days, a team management member accused him of fabricating the entire incident. Moreover, he was told that his services would no longer be required.
The termination caused him severe emotional stress, alleged Brian. He added that he also went through post-traumatic stress disorder along with financial losses. Joseph aims to seek damages for the sexual harassment and wrongful termination via the lawsuit and has also demanded compensation.
