Will Smith sued by male tour violinist over sexual harassment, wrongful termination and retaliation

Actor and rapper Will Smith is reportedly being sued by a male tour violinist over accusations of sexual harassment, wrongful termination and retaliation.

Musician Brian King Joseph, part of Smith’s Based on a True Story: 2025 Tour, claims Smith exhibited “predatory behaviour.” He also alleges Smith was “deliberately grooming and priming” him for “further sexual exploitation”.

Smith, 57, is best known as part of a hip hop duo with DJ Jazzy Jeff, as well as starring in The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and Men in Black. 

Joseph names Smith and Treyball Studios Management as defendants in the suit, as reported by Variety. He is pursuing them for wrongful termination and retaliation in a suit filed in California’s Superior Court on Tuesday (30 December). Joseph is demanding a jury trial. 

Smith allegedly told Joseph: “You and I have such a special connection that I don’t have with anyone else.”

Joseph also alleges that during a Las Vegas tour date, his bag and hotel room key went missing. He further states that his hotel room has been “unlawfully” accessed.

‘Joseph is demanding a jury trial.’

According to the lawsuit: “Among the remaining belongings were 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 Plaintiff.”

Also, he states a note read: “Brian, I’ll be back no later 5.30, just us <3 [heart symbol], Stone F.” 

Joseph said he concluded that “an unknown individual would soon return to his room to engage in sexual acts.”

Joseph’s suit outlines that tour management members were “the only individuals with access” to his room. Furthermore, Joseph notified hotel security and Smith’s representatives. Also, he reported the incident to a non-emergency police line.

Joseph claims that the incident led to being“shamed” by a member of Smith’s management team. Furthermore, his contract was terminated, implying that he had fabricated the event.

Joseph’s suit claims that the termination led him to suffer from PTSD and economic loss.

‘False, baseless and reckless’

Smith’s attorney, Allen B Grodsky, denied Joseph’s allegations. Grodsky released a statement to the Daily Mail: “Mr Joseph’s allegations concerning my client are false, baseless and reckless.

“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.”