Will Smith sued by tour violinist over 'predatory behaviour'
The lawsuit was filed in the Superior Court of California by Brian King Joseph, a violinist who performed during Smith’s tour supporting his album “Based on a True Story”.
Hollywood actor and rapper Will Smith has been sued by a violinist from his 2025 tour, who has accused the entertainer of "predatory behaviour" and deliberate "grooming" aimed at sexual exploitation.
The lawsuit was filed in the Superior Court of California by Brian King Joseph, a violinist who performed during Smith's tour supporting his album "Based on a True Story". Joseph is also suing Smith's company, Treyball Studios Management, alleging wrongful termination and retaliation, reports The Guardian.
According to the complaint, Joseph was hired for the tour after appearing on stage with Smith in December 2024. The suit claims Smith made inappropriate personal remarks, including allegedly telling Joseph that they shared a "special connection" unlike any other.
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Joseph further alleged that during a March 2025 tour stop in Las Vegas, his bag and hotel room key went missing and were returned hours later. That night, he claimed to have found his hotel room unlawfully accessed, with wipes, HIV medication bearing another person's name, and a handwritten note left behind.
Joseph said the incident led him to fear that someone intended to return to his room to engage in sexual activity with him.
The lawsuit states that members of the tour's management were the only individuals with access to his room. Joseph claims he reported the incident to hotel security, Smith's representatives, and local police. He further alleges that he was later shamed by Smith's management and that his contract was terminated, implying the incident had been fabricated.
Joseph said the termination caused him emotional distress, including post-traumatic stress disorder, as well as financial losses.
Will Smith's attorney, Allen B Grodsky, has denied all allegations. In a statement to the Daily Mail, Grodsky said the claims were "false, baseless and reckless" and that Smith "categorically denies" them, adding that legal action would be taken to address the lawsuit.
Smith's representatives have also been contacted for comment.
Based on a True Story marked Smith's first album release in two decades and referenced, in part, his onstage assault of comedian Chris Rock at the 2022 Academy Awards. The album failed to achieve commercial success and received largely negative reviews from critics.
