Will Smith sued for sexual harassment by tour violinist
Will Smith has been sued for sexual harassment in a new lawsuit.
Brian King Joseph, a professional violist who appeared on America’s Got Talent, filed the suit on December 30th at the Superior Court of California.
According to People, Joseph claims Smith “was deliberately grooming and priming Mr Joseph for further sexual exploitation” by bringing him on his Based on a True Story Tour.
The lawsuit filed against Smith and Treyball Studios Management, Inc alleges wrongful termination and retaliation.
In March 2025, Joseph alleges that someone entered his hotel room in Las Vegas. He claims to have evidence of a sexual threat of violence, including a note that read, “Brian, I’ll be back… just us.”
The suit also claims he found “wipes, a beer bottle, a red backpack, a bottle of HIV medication with another individual’s name, an earring, and hospital discharge paperwork belonging to a person unbeknownst to” Joseph.
After reporting the alleged findings to Smith’s management, Joseph was terminated and had his position replaced.
Joseph claims he suffered “severe emotional distress, economic loss, reputational harm, and other damages,” as well as “PTSD and other mental illness as a result of the termination.”
However, Smith’s lawyer, Allen B Grodsky, denied the allegations in a statement on January 1st. “Mr Joseph’s allegations concerning my client are false, baseless, and reckless,” he said. “They are categorically denied, and we will use all legal means available to address these claims and to ensure that the truth is brought to light.”
Smith made his return to music this year with the release of Based on a True Story, his first album in 20 years. It featured his son, Jaden, as well as Big Sean, Joyner Lucas, and others.
Smith is yet to respond to the claims.