A violinist who toured with actor and musician Will Smith has launched a lawsuit against him and his management company, alleging sexual harassment, wrongful termination, and retaliation. The complaint was filed on Tuesday in Los Angeles County and centers around events that transpired in March 2025.
According to the lawsuit, violinist Brian King Joseph was terminated shortly after reporting an incident to police, wherein someone allegedly entered his hotel room during the tour. Items, including wipes, a beer bottle, and a note addressed to him, were left behind while he was away. Joseph claims this intrusion caused him to fear for his safety, prompting him to contact hotel security and local police to report the situation.
The suit describes a disturbing scenario in which Joseph discovered the unauthorized entry into his hotel room in Las Vegas. Among the items left were a bottle of HIV medication, hospital discharge paperwork with a name unknown to him, and a note reading, “Brian, I’ll be back no later [sic] 5:30, just us (drawn heart), Stone F.” This alarming discovery led Joseph to request a room change and document the evidence, fearing potential sexual advances from the unknown individual.
Instead of addressing Joseph’s concerns, the lawsuit claims that tour management accused him of fabricating the incident. Following his report, he was informed that the tour was “moving in a different direction,” only for another violinist to be hired in his place shortly thereafter. Joseph believes that Smith was complicit in the decision to terminate him and alleges he was subjected to grooming for “further sexual exploitation.”
Joseph’s lawsuit outlines the severe emotional distress he experienced as a result of these events, including symptoms consistent with PTSD and significant economic loss. His attorney, Allen B. Grodsky, has categorically denied the allegations, stating they are “false, baseless, and reckless.” Grodsky emphasized that they intend to use all legal means to contest the claims and reveal the truth.
Joseph joined Smith’s “Based on a True Story: 2025 Tour” in late 2024, where the two reportedly developed a close bond. The lawsuit suggests that Smith expressed sentiments of a special connection with Joseph, which makes the allegations of misconduct even more troubling for the plaintiff.
As this case unfolds, the implications for both Joseph and Smith are significant, raising questions about workplace conduct and the responsibilities of management in handling allegations of harassment and safety concerns. The entertainment industry will be closely watching the developments of this lawsuit as it proceeds through the legal system.
