Will Smith is facing sexual harassment allegations from violinist Brian King Joseph.
Joseph, 33, lodged a lawsuit on Tuesday in California’s Superior Court against Smith and his management company, Trayball Studio Management.
The lawsuit states there was a “traumatic series of events” during Smith’s world tour last year.
In March 2025, Joseph claims he was coerced into a Las Vegas hotel room where he faced “sexual threats of violence.”
A note purportedly left behind read, “Brian, we’re coming back…just us,” signed by someone named “Stone F” with a heart.
Joseph also reported finding various items in the room, including “wet wipes, a beer bottle, a red backpack, an HIV drug bottle with someone else’s name on it, earrings from someone I don’t recognize, and discharge papers.”
He said he alerted hotel staff because he feared that the intruder might return, potentially leading to further danger. However, he later felt “humiliated” by a member of the tour management after reporting what had happened, and subsequently lost his job.
Joseph claims this ordeal has caused him “severe psychological distress, financial loss, reputational damage, and other damages,” including “PTSD and other mental illness.”
Representatives for Smith have yet to respond to requests for comments regarding the allegations.
Smith’s attorney, Allen B. Grodsky, dismissed Joseph’s claims as “false, baseless, and reckless.” He stated that “these allegations are categorically denied” and that they will take all necessary legal actions to defend against them.
Joseph first performed with Smith in December 2024 and had previously shared positive thoughts about the experience on social media.
Since filing the lawsuit, Joseph has expressed gratitude to his supporters, thanking them on his Instagram Stories.
He hinted at the seriousness of the situation in a recent video, stating that “it’s not OK to be fired, vilified, shamed, or threatened simply for reporting sexual misconduct or threats to safety in the workplace.”
While not naming Smith specifically, he indicated that the issue involves a significant figure in the industry.
If you or someone you know has been affected by issues related to this article, please contact a Sexual Assault Hotline.
