Violinist Files Lawsuit Against Will Smith Alleging Harassment and Wrongful Dismissal

Hollywood actor Will Smith, who has appeared in films such as “Bad Boys” and “Men in Black,” has been charged with sexual harassment. One violinist from “Based on a True Story 2025,” which he was touring, has leveled allegations against Hollywood actor Will Smith and his own management company. This has been conducted by violinist Brian King Joseph.

Brian King Joseph was also performing with Smith as part of the “Based on a True Story 2025” tour. He has filed a lawsuit against the actor as well as Treball Studios Management. The lawsuit was filed as of the 31st of December. The lawsuit includes sexual harassment, retaliation, as well as wrongful termination as claims against the actor. According to Variety, Joseph claims in the complaint that when he returned to his hotel room booked by Smith's company, he discovered signs that someone had entered the room without his consent. He alleges that he found a provocative message, wipes, a beer bottle, HIV medication prescribed to another person, and hospital discharge papers. He also found a note that read, "Brian, I'll be back before 5:30, just the two of us." It was accompanied by a heart and the initials "Stone F."

The violinist further stated that he immediately informed hotel security and alerted Smith's team. He also reported the incident to the non-emergency police helpline. However, the lawsuit claims that the tour's management accused him of lying about the incident and placed all the blame on him. A few days later, Joseph alleges that he was informed that he was being removed from the tour. Management stated that the production was moving in a different direction. The lawsuit further claims that another violinist was immediately appointed in his place, raising concerns that his removal was retaliatory. It also alleges that a member of Smith's management team humiliated Joseph for reporting the incident and explicitly told him that he was being fired.

In more serious allegations, the lawsuit claims that after the two met in November 2024, Smith began a series of grooming and inciting Joseph to further sexual assault. According to the filing, as Smith and Joseph spent more time alone before the tour, the actor allegedly behaved violently and made lewd comments. Like, 'You and I have a special relationship that I don't have with anyone else.' The lawsuit describes this behavior as part of a well-planned conspiracy aimed at exploiting Joseph. Joseph is now seeking damages for sexual harassment, retaliation, and wrongful termination. He also claims that he has suffered post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and significant financial loss after being removed from the tour. Will Smith's representative has not yet publicly responded to the allegations or the lawsuit.