Los Angeles, Jan 2, 2026 —
Hollywood star Will Smith is facing serious allegations of harassment from a male co-performer, with a lawsuit filed this week in California alleging sexual misconduct and wrongful dismissal.
The lawsuit was lodged on Wednesday at the Los Angeles County Superior Court by violinist Brian King Joseph, who toured with Smith during his “Based on a True Story” global tour. Smith and his company, Treble Studios Management, have been named as defendants.
According to the complaint, Joseph claims that Smith displayed “predatory behavior” toward him during the early months of 2025, subjecting him to psychological pressure with alleged sexual intent. Joseph further alleges that after he resisted the advances, he was unjustly terminated from his role.
Joseph was initially hired in November 2024 to perform at a show in San Diego. He was later invited to join Smith’s 2025 world tour and contribute to a forthcoming album. The lawsuit states that as their professional relationship deepened, Smith allegedly made repeated remarks suggesting a “special spiritual connection” that he claimed to share only with Joseph.
The most serious incident, according to the filing, occurred during a March 2025 tour stop in Las Vegas. Joseph alleges that his hotel room key went missing and was returned hours later by management. Upon returning to his room, he claims to have found evidence that someone had entered during his absence.
Among the items allegedly discovered were HIV prevention medication prescribed to another individual, tissues, and a handwritten note that read: “Brian, I’ll be back by 5:30. It’ll just be the two of us,” accompanied by a heart symbol and signed “Stone F.” Joseph says he perceived this as an imminent threat of sexual assault.
Will Smith’s attorney, Allen B. Grodsky, has categorically denied the allegations, calling them “false, baseless, and reckless.” In a statement, Grodsky said Smith and his company intend to contest the claims vigorously in court and are confident the truth will emerge.
The case is expected to draw significant public attention as legal proceedings move forward, given Smith’s global celebrity status and the seriousness of the accusations.
