Academy Award-winning actor and musician Will Smith is the subject of a newly filed civil lawsuit brought by tour violinist Brian King Joseph, according to reports from Variety and NBC News, both of which cited court documents. The lawsuit was filed on December 31 against Smith and Treyball Studios Management and includes allegations of sexual harassment, wrongful termination, and retaliation. Joseph stated in the filing that he was hired to perform on a concert tour supporting Smith’s then-forthcoming album, Based on a True Story, after first meeting the entertainer in late 2024. The complaint described what Joseph characterized as a shift in their professional relationship, alleging that Smith began spending increased one-on-one time with him and expressed that he felt a special connection between them.
The lawsuit further outlined an incident Joseph said occurred while traveling to Las Vegas for a tour performance. According to the filing, Joseph alleged that tour managers lost his bag and hotel room key, and that when he later gained access to the room, he found items that raised serious concerns, including a beer bottle, HIV medication prescribed to someone else, and a handwritten note from a person identified as “Stone F.” The note reportedly indicated an expected return to the room later that day. Joseph stated in the complaint that he reported the situation to hotel staff, law enforcement, and tour management, but alleged that tour representatives accused him of fabricating the incident rather than addressing his concerns.
Will Smith Attorney Responds as Violinist Speaks Indirectly on Instagram
Joseph’s lawsuit alleged that after raising these concerns, he was removed from the tour and replaced, which he characterized as retaliation. Prior to filing the lawsuit, Joseph appeared to reference the situation in an Instagram video, according to reporting from multiple outlets. In the video, Joseph said he had been hired for a major tour with a prominent industry figure and explained that he was unable to share details because the matter had become a legal issue. He added that being fired or blamed for reporting alleged sexual misconduct or safety threats in the workplace was not acceptable.
In response, Smith’s attorney, Allen B. Grodsky, issued a statement to multiple news organizations denying the claims. Grodsky said the allegations against his client were false, baseless, and reckless, and stated that they were categorically denied. He added that Smith intended to use all available legal means to address the lawsuit and bring the truth to light. A representative for Smith’s legal team was not immediately available for additional comment, according to NBC News. The case remains ongoing, and all allegations outlined in the lawsuit have yet to be addressed in court.
