Actor and recording artist Will Smith is facing a civil lawsuit filed by professional violinist Brian King Joseph, who alleges sexual harassment, retaliation, and wrongful termination connected to Smith’s 2025 concert tour. The lawsuit was filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court and names both Smith and his management entity, Treyball Studios Management Inc., as defendants.
Joseph, a classically trained violinist who rose to national prominence after finishing as a finalist on
America’s Got Talent, claims he was recruited to perform as part of Smith’s live music tour supporting the actor’s recent return to music. According to the complaint, Joseph joined the tour as a contracted musician and expected a professional working environment.
Allegations of Inappropriate Conduct
In the lawsuit, Joseph alleges that after joining the tour, Smith engaged in conduct that made him uncomfortable and caused emotional distress. While the complaint does not allege physical assault, it describes what Joseph characterizes as inappropriate behavior and a pattern of actions that created a hostile work environment.
Central to the case is an incident that allegedly occurred in March 2025 while the tour was in Las Vegas. Joseph claims that upon returning to his hotel room arranged and paid for by tour management he discovered items that did not belong to him, including paperwork and medication. He also alleges finding a handwritten note that he interpreted as suggesting a future encounter. Joseph states that the situation left him fearful and distressed, believing his personal space and safety had been violated.
Joseph further claims that there were no signs of forced entry into the room, raising concerns about how the items were placed there. The complaint asserts that the incident contributed to his belief that he was being targeted or groomed in a manner he found deeply troubling.
Reporting and Termination Claims
Following the hotel incident, Joseph alleges that he reported his concerns to hotel staff, local law enforcement, and members of the tour’s management team. According to the lawsuit, rather than receiving support, he was allegedly dismissed, shamed, or discouraged from escalating the matter.
Joseph claims that shortly after raising his concerns, he was removed from the tour and replaced by another musician, which he argues constituted retaliation for reporting the alleged misconduct. The lawsuit contends that his termination resulted in lost income, damage to his professional reputation, and emotional harm.
The complaint includes claims for sexual harassment, retaliation, wrongful termination, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. Joseph is seeking unspecified monetary damages, including compensation for lost earnings, emotional suffering, and psychological trauma, including symptoms consistent with post-traumatic stress disorder.
Will Smith’s Response
Will Smith’s legal representatives have strongly denied the allegations, characterizing the lawsuit as false and without merit. According to public statements attributed to Smith’s legal team, the claims are described as “baseless” and “reckless,” with an indication that Smith intends to contest the lawsuit vigorously in court.
As of publication, Smith has not personally commented on the allegations. No criminal charges have been filed in connection with the claims, and the case remains a civil matter pending further proceedings in California state court.
Legal and Industry Context
The lawsuit adds to ongoing conversations within the entertainment industry regarding workplace conduct, power dynamics between high-profile performers and supporting talent, and the responsibilities of management companies in addressing internal complaints. Touring musicians often operate under short-term contracts, which can complicate employment protections and reporting mechanisms when disputes arise.
Legal experts note that civil harassment cases of this nature typically hinge on documentation, witness testimony, and whether the plaintiff can establish that the alleged conduct was severe or pervasive enough to create a hostile working environment under California law.
While unrelated to Joseph’s allegations, the filing also comes during a period of heightened public scrutiny surrounding the Smith family, following separate legal disputes involving individuals associated with the actor’s inner circle. Those matters are not connected to the claims raised in this lawsuit.
What Happens Next
The case is still in its early stages. The court will next determine scheduling matters, potential motions to dismiss, and whether the case proceeds to discovery. If the lawsuit advances, both sides are expected to exchange evidence, depose witnesses, and present competing accounts of the events in question.
At this stage, the allegations remain unproven, and Smith is entitled to the presumption of innocence under the law. The outcome will depend on how the court evaluates the evidence presented by both parties.
JDJournal will continue to monitor developments in the case as it moves forward through the legal system.
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