Will Smith Sued for Sexual Harassment by Musician Brian King Joseph
LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Will Smith, the acclaimed actor and musician, is facing a lawsuit filed by professional violinist Brian King Joseph, who alleges sexual harassment, wrongful termination, and retaliation during Smith’s 2025 tour. The complaint, filed on December 30 in the Superior Court of California, accuses Smith and his company, Treyball Studios Management, of a series of disturbing incidents that Joseph claims led to severe emotional and professional harm.
According to the lawsuit, Joseph began performing with Smith in December 2024 and subsequently joined him on tour the following year. The complaint details how Smith allegedly “was deliberately grooming and priming Mr. Joseph for further sexual exploitation” after inviting him on the tour. The suit describes a “traumatic series of events” that unfolded as the two spent time alone together, with Smith purportedly asserting they shared a “special connection.”
One of the most alarming allegations involves an incident at a Las Vegas hotel where Joseph discovered his room had been entered without signs of forced entry. He reportedly found a handwritten note stating, “Brian, I’ll be back…just us,” signed by “Stone F,” alongside personal items including wipes, a beer bottle, a red backpack, a bottle of HIV medication bearing another person’s name, an earring, and hospital discharge paperwork unknown to Joseph. The complaint states that Joseph feared an unknown individual would return to engage in sexual acts with him.
Joseph promptly reported the incident to hotel staff, local police, and Smith’s management team. However, the suit alleges that a member of the tour management team responded by shaming Joseph and informing him of his termination. The complaint asserts that Joseph suffered “severe emotional distress, economic loss, reputational harm, and other damages,” including post-traumatic stress disorder and other mental health issues as a result of these events.
Smith’s attorney, Allen B. Grodsky, has issued a strong denial of the allegations, calling them “false, baseless, and reckless.” Grodsky emphasized that they will employ all legal avenues to address the claims and ensure the truth is revealed. The case has drawn widespread media attention, with coverage from outlets such as NBC News, People, Variety, and ABC News.
Sexual harassment and assault allegations against high-profile figures continue to prompt public discourse about workplace safety and accountability. The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission provides resources and enforcement on such matters, underscoring the importance of addressing claims promptly and thoroughly. Individuals affected by sexual assault or harassment can contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) for confidential support and assistance.
As this case proceeds through the legal system, it highlights the ongoing challenges faced by victims seeking justice and the responsibilities of employers to maintain safe working environments. The entertainment industry, in particular, has seen increased scrutiny in recent years regarding misconduct allegations, prompting calls for reform and greater protections for artists and staff.
Updates will be provided as new information emerges and court proceedings advance.
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