From Variety: Will Smith has been sued by a tour violinist who is accusing the rapper of sexual harassment, wrongful termination and retaliation.
In the suit, filed Tuesday and reviewed by Variety, musician Brian King Joseph names Smith and Treyball Studios Management as defendants and accuses Smith of “predatory behavior” and “deliberately grooming and priming Mr. Joseph for further sexual exploitation” while on his “Based on a True Story: 2025 Tour” this past spring.
The suit alleges that Smith hired Joseph in November 2024 to perform at a show in San Diego and was subsequently invited to join his 2025 tour and play on his upcoming album. As their relationship grew closer, Smith told Joseph that “you and I have such a special connection, that I don’t have with anyone else,” among other similar expressions.
After the first leg of Smith’s tour launched in March 2025 for a show in Las Vegas, Joseph’s bag and hotel room key went missing for hours.
After it was found, Joseph discovered that someone had “unlawfully” entered the room and left behind disturbing belonging. Among the items were wipes, a bottle of HIV medication with another individual’s name, and a note that read, “Brian, I’ll be back no later [sic] 5:30, just us (drawn heart), Stone F.”
Concerned, Joseph informed the hotel and asked for a different room as he was worried that “an unknown individual would soon return to his room to engage in sexual acts” with him.
He Lo’s informed police and members of the tour’s management, who were also the “only individuals with access to [his] room.”
A few days later, a member of the management team “shamed” him and insinuated that Joseph made the whole thing up.
The lawsuit claims the termination caused Joseph to suffer from PTSD and economic loss. He is suing for retaliation, wrongful termination, and sexual harassment, with damages be determined by a jury.
Will Smith is being sued by a tour violinist who alleges sexual harassment, retaliation, and wrongful termination during his “Based on a True Story: 2025” Tour this past spring.
The musician, Brian King Joseph, names Smith and Treyball Studios Management as defendants and… pic.twitter.com/RPhlZxwppS
— Variety (@Variety) January 2, 2026
The actor is being sued over allegations of sexual harassment and predatory behavior.
Details: https://t.co/TjogzM7oIo pic.twitter.com/gjPkBcKcbn
— FOX5 Las Vegas (@FOX5Vegas) January 2, 2026
Read more at Variety
The Dennis Michael Lynch Podcast archive is available below, with the most recent on top. Never miss an episode. Subscribe to the show by downloading The DML News App or go to Apple Podcasts.
