Will Smith Sued By Violinist Over Alleged Harassment, Retaliation |

Will Smith is kicking off the brand new yr in a authorized tussle together with his former violinist, Brian King Joseph. In his grievance, the skilled musician accuses Smith of sexual harassment and retaliation. Smith’s attorneys have reportedly already responded to the allegations.

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Why Is Brian King Joseph Suing Will Smith?

According to PEOPLE, Joseph filed his grievance within the Superior Court of California on Dec. 30. He additionally named the actor’s firm, Treyball Studios Management Inc., within the lawsuit.

Joseph alleges that Will Smith was “intentionally grooming and priming” him for sexual exploitation after an invitation for the worldwide tour, ‘Based on a True Story: 2025.’ That occurred a yr in the past in November 2024. Months later, in March 2025 amid the album’s launch, the violinist alleges {that a} “traumatic sequence of occasions” occurred. Smith’s full tour ran from June to September.

One incident included unauthorized entry into his Las Vegas lodge room by somebody unknown. There have been no indicators of pressured entry. But, the violinist says he skilled a “sexual risk of violence” after allegedly discovering a handwritten be aware that mentioned, “Brian, I’ll be again…simply us.” “Stone F” reportedly signed the be aware, which additionally had a drawn coronary heart. In addition to the be aware, Brian Joseph King alleges he discovered “wipes, a beer bottle, a purple backpack, a bottle of HIV treatment with another person’s identify, an earring and hospital discharge paperwork” from somebody Joseph allegedly doesn’t know.” The findings reportedly scared Brian into considering somebody unknown was going to return to his room to “interact in sexual acts.”

Joseph’s grievance claims he reported the break-in and gadgets to the lodge workers, an area non-emergency line and Will Smith’s administration. It’s unclear how the primary two entities responded, however allegedly, a member of Smith’s tour administration group “shamed” Brian and fired him. Another violinist was later employed to exchange Joseph, per PEOPLE.

What Is The Violinist Seeking?

It’s unclear whether or not Brian King Joseph is searching for monetary compensation for damages, however the grievance alleges he suffered on a number of fronts. The violinist mentioned the March 2025 incident sparked “extreme emotional misery” adopted by “financial loss, reputational hurt and different damages.” Joseph additionally allegedly experiences “PTSD and different psychological sickness on account of the termination.”

Will Smith’s Lawyer Reacts To Lawsuit

Allen B. Grodsky, who represents Will Smith, talked to PEOPLE concerning the lawsuit. He and his shopper are denying Brian King Joseph’s allegations.

“Mr. Joseph’s allegations regarding my shopper are false, baseless, and reckless,” Grodsky mentioned in a press release on Jan. 1. “They are categorically denied, and we’ll use all authorized means out there to handle these claims and to make sure that the reality is dropped at mild.”

Twenty-nine days earlier than Brian sued Will Smith, the actor’s spouse was additionally hit with a lawsuit. Jada Pinkett Smith’s former affiliate, Bilaal Salaam, filed a grievance searching for $3 million after she allegedly verbally threatened him. Amid the information, a supply informed PEOPLE that the Smiths felt “actually mad” over the lawsuit, calling it a “lot of crap.”