A California violinist, Brian King Joseph, filed a lawsuit against actor-rapper Will Smith in Los Angeles Superior Court, accusing him of sexual harassment, grooming, predatory behavior, wrongful termination, and emotional distress during the 2025 Based on a True Story tour.
Joseph, who joined after performing with Smith in late 2024, alleges Smith fostered a “special connection” through repeated personal remarks, priming him for exploitation.
Key Incident and Aftermath
During the Las Vegas tour stop in March 2025, Joseph claims his missing bag—containing his hotel key—was returned hours later. Upon re-entering his room, he found wipes, a beer bottle, an earring, a red backpack, HIV medication with another’s name, and a note: “Brian, I’ll be back no later 5:30, just us” with a heart, signed “Stone F.”
He reported this to hotel security, Smith’s team, and police. Security found no forced entry but noted tour management access. Joseph says Smith’s staff shamed him instead, leading to his abrupt firing, causing PTSD, reputational harm, and financial loss.
Responses and Background
Smith’s lawyer, Allen B. Grodsky, called the claims “false, baseless, and reckless,” vowing legal countermeasures.
The tour supported Smith’s first album in 20 years, which referenced his controversies but charted poorly (UK #79 downloads for one week). Smith resigned from the Oscars Academy in 2022 after slapping Chris Rock, calling it “inexcusable.”
