Will Smith has been sued by a tour violinist who is accusing the rapper of sexual harassment, wrongful termination and retaliation.
According to court documents filed in Los Angeles Superior Court, acclaimed violinist Brian King Joseph has sued Smith and his production company, accusing him of sexual harassment, grooming, and wrongful termination. Joseph alleges he was hired to perform on Smith’s 2025 “Based on a True Story” world tour and says what started as a major career opportunity quickly turned into an unsafe and disturbing situation.
Joseph claims that during the tour, Smith used his influence and power to create what the lawsuit describes as a pattern of grooming behavior. The filing says things escalated in March 2025 during a Las Vegas tour stop when Joseph returned to his hotel room, which had been booked by the tour team, and allegedly found signs of a break in along with items and a handwritten note that made him fear for his safety.
The violinist says he immediately reported the incident to hotel staff, local authorities, and members of Smith’s team. Instead of support, Joseph claims he was accused of lying and exaggerating the situation. Not long after raising concerns, he says he was removed from the tour and replaced.
In the lawsuit, Joseph argues that his firing was retaliation for speaking up about what he experienced. He is seeking damages for emotional distress, loss of income, and damage to his career, stating the ordeal left him dealing with anxiety and trauma.
As of now, Will Smith has not publicly responded to the allegations, and no ruling has been made by the court.