Hollywood superstar Will Smith finds himself embroiled in a serious legal battle as a former member of his musical entourage has filed a lawsuit alleging sexual harassment, wrongful termination, and retaliation. The plaintiff, violinist Brian King Joseph, who performed on Smith's 2025 global tour, has brought forth claims that the actor's legal representatives have vehemently denied as completely fabricated.
Allegations of Predatory Behavior and a "Special Connection"
According to a complaint filed in a California state court on Monday, January 3, 2026, Brian King Joseph accuses Will Smith of engaging in "predatory behavior" and intentionally grooming him for potential sexual exploitation. The lawsuit, first reported by The Hollywood Reporter, states that Smith initially invited Joseph to perform at a show in San Diego in 2024. This led to his inclusion in the actor's major global tour, "Based on a True Story," which was connected to Smith's upcoming album.
Joseph claims that during this period, Will Smith told him they shared a unique and special connection that the actor did not have with other members of the tour crew or performers. While the lawsuit paints a picture of a disturbing pattern, it notably does not cite a specific incident where Smith was directly involved in a physical act of harassment.
The Disturbing Las Vegas Hotel Incident
The court documents detail a particularly alarming event alleged to have occurred in March 2025 at a hotel in Las Vegas. Joseph states that his bag, containing his room key, went missing for several hours before being returned by the tour's management team.
Later that same night, the violinist says he discovered a series of unsettling items in his room. These included a handwritten note addressed to him that read, "Brian, I'll be back no later [sic] 5:30, just us (drawn heart), Stone F." Also found were a bottle of HIV medication, an earring, and hospital discharge paperwork.
Joseph expressed fear that the individual, whom he suspects was part of Smith's management team, intended to return to his room to engage in sexual acts. The lawsuit claims that after Joseph reported this incident, he was not supported but instead was blamed for the alleged harassment and subsequently fired from the tour.
Strong Denials and Legal Repercussions
Will Smith's legal team has launched a forceful defense against all allegations. The actor's lawyer, Allen Grodsky, issued a statement dismissing the claims as "false, baseless and reckless." Grodsky categorically denied every accusation and asserted that Smith would employ all legal avenues to confront the lawsuit and reveal the truth.
Brian King Joseph, who gained fame by finishing third on a season of America's Got Talent, contends that the circumstances point to a sustained pattern of misconduct rather than a one-off event. He alleges that upon reporting the Las Vegas incident, he was confronted and accused of lying. The lawsuit quotes a tour representative as saying, "I don't know, you tell me, because everyone is telling me that what happened to you is a lie... So, tell me, why did you lie and make this up."
Joseph claims to now suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) as a result of the ordeal. He is seeking unspecified damages through the legal action. As both sides prepare for a courtroom confrontation, the case casts a shadow over Will Smith's professional ventures and adds a complex chapter to his public narrative.
