Will Smith sued by tour violinist over sexual harassment and wrongful termination claims

Hollywood actor and musician Will Smith is facing a lawsuit filed by violinist Brian King Joseph, who performed during Smith’s Based on a True Story 2025 tour. The case has brought fresh legal trouble for the actor, with allegations linked to events during the concert run.

According to reports, Brian King Joseph has sued Will Smith along with Treyball Studios Management, accusing them of sexual harassment, retaliation and wrongful termination. The violinist claims he was first hired in November 2024 for a concert in San Diego and was later included in the 2025 tour, with discussions also taking place about his involvement in Smith’s upcoming album.

The lawsuit alleges that during the tour, Smith made repeated personal remarks that suggested an unusual emotional closeness. As the working relationship continued, Joseph claims the behaviour made him uncomfortable.

A major part of the complaint relates to an incident in March 2025 during the first leg of the tour in Las Vegas. Joseph says that hotel rooms had been booked for band and crew members and that his room key went missing for several hours before being returned by management. He alleges that only management staff had access to his room during that time.

Later that night, Joseph claims he noticed signs that someone had entered his hotel room without his consent. He alleges that unfamiliar items were left inside the room, including personal supplies, prescription medication belonging to another individual and a handwritten note implying a private meeting. Joseph says he interpreted this as a warning that someone intended to return to his room for sexual activity.

The violinist claims he immediately alerted hotel security and informed representatives linked to Smith. He also contacted local authorities through a non-emergency line. Despite this, the lawsuit states that within days, he was accused by management of fabricating the incident and was subsequently removed from the tour.

Joseph alleges that losing his job caused him serious emotional trauma, including symptoms of post-traumatic stress, along with financial harm. Through the lawsuit, he is seeking damages for harassment, retaliation and wrongful termination, with the amount to be determined by a jury.