Will Smith. Photo taken from rollingstone.com.
The lawsuit was filed by Brian King Joseph, who previously performed with Smith during a concert tour. He claims that he faced harassment and grooming from the actor and became a victim of wrongful termination after expressing his protest.
According to the lawsuit, their acquaintance began in December 2024 when Joseph received an invitation to perform at Smith's concert. The actor offered him a place in the tour team for Based on a True Story: 2025 Tour and to participate in the recording of a new album. According to Joseph, over time, Smith began to show him special attention.
“Smith and the plaintiff began to spend more time alone. The actor stated that there was a unique connection between them that he did not have with anyone else,” Fox News reports, citing case materials.
In March 2025, during the tour in Las Vegas, Joseph noticed signs of intrusion in his hotel room provided by the organizers. Inside, he found unfamiliar belongings and a note addressed to him. Fearing for his safety, he contacted hotel security, notified Smith's representatives, and called the police.
Several days after this incident, Joseph claims he was informed of his termination. According to Smith, the story of the intrusion is fabricated. The lawsuit also notes that shortly after his dismissal, another violinist was hired to take his place, which Joseph believes confirms the illegitimacy of the reasons for his termination.
The violinist believes he was fired in retaliation for reporting the harassment that occurred during the tour.
Smith's attorney, Allen B. Grodsky, commented on the situation, stating, “Mr. Joseph's allegations against my client are false and baseless. We categorically deny them and intend to use all available legal means to defend the truth.”
