Will Smith Sued by Violinist Brian King Joseph Over Alleged Mistreatment During Tour

Actor and singer Will Smith is facing legal action from Brian King Joseph, a finalist from America’s Got Talent, following their collaboration on Smith’s 2025 "Based on a True Story" world tour. The renowned violinist was part of the tour's entertainment lineup, showcasing some of Smith’s most popular tracks.

A New Album and Past Achievements

"Based on a True Story" is Smith’s fifth album, released two decades after his previous album, Lost and Found. Over the years, Smith's career has soared, thanks to blockbuster sequels like Bad Boys, Men in Black 3, and the critically acclaimed I Am Legend. His acting accolades include winning the Best Actor Oscar in 2021 for his portrayal of Richard Williams in King Richard.

The Oscars Controversy and Its Aftermath

Smith's Oscars victory was marred by controversy when he slapped Chris Rock on stage in 2022 after a joke about Smith’s wife, Jada Pinkett Smith. The incident led to Smith’s ban from the Academy and a subsequent public apology via Instagram.

Lawsuit Filed Against Smith for Alleged Misconduct

On December 30, 2025, a lawsuit was filed against Smith, alleging sexual harassment and wrongful termination related to the tour.

What Are the Allegations?

Brian King Joseph accuses Smith and Treyball Studios Management, Inc. of "predatory behavior," claiming Smith was "deliberately grooming and priming Mr. Joseph for further sexual exploitation," according to reports from Variety. The lawsuit further details an incident in March 2025, where Joseph returned to his Las Vegas hotel room to find a note left by an unknown individual. The note read:

"Brian, I’ll be back… just us,"

accompanied by items like wipes, a beer bottle, a red backpack, a bottle of HIV medication with another person's name, an earring, and hospital discharge papers.

Joseph’s Claims and Response

Joseph alleges that Smith had previously expressed a "special connection" with him, saying, "You and I have such a special connection that I don’t have with anyone else." After reporting the March incident to police, hotel staff, and Smith’s management, Joseph claims he was shamed and fired from the tour, purportedly because the tour was "moving in a different direction."

He reports suffering "severe emotional distress, economic loss, reputational harm, and other damages" due to these events. The exact damages sought have not been disclosed.

Will Smith’s Response

Smith has yet to publicly comment on the allegations. His attorney, Allen B. Grotsky, issued a statement denying the accusations:

“Mr. Joseph’s allegations concerning my client are false, baseless, and reckless. They are categorically denied, and we will use all legal means available to address these claims and to ensure that the truth is brought to light.”

Joseph Speaks Out

Before the lawsuit became public, Joseph posted a video on December 27 explaining his decision to pursue legal action. While he did not mention Smith explicitly, he emphasized his stance on reporting misconduct:

"Getting fired, or getting blamed, or shamed, or threatened, or anything like that simply for reporting sexual misconduct or safety threats at work is not okay. I know there’s a lot of other people out there who have been afraid to speak up and I understand, and if that’s you, I see you."

On January 2, 2026, Joseph expressed gratitude to his supporters via Instagram:

"The support means a lot, you guys, thank you."

About Brian King Joseph

A talented violinist, Joseph gained national recognition when he finished third in America’s Got Talent Season 13 in 2018, behind acrobatic group Zurcaroh and magician Shin Lim. Since then, he has continued his career in music and performance.

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Please note that all information is based on publicly available sources and may be subject to change as legal proceedings continue.