A lawsuit has been filed by violinist Brian King Joseph against actor and musician Will Smith and his management company, alleging wrongful termination, sexual harassment, and retaliation. The complaint was lodged on Tuesday in Los Angeles County Court, detailing events that unfolded following an alleged intrusion into Joseph’s hotel room.
According to the suit, filed on March 25, 2025, Joseph reported to local authorities that someone had unlawfully entered his hotel room during Smith’s tour. Upon his return, he discovered a series of items left behind, including a backpack, hospital discharge paperwork belonging to an unknown individual, and a note addressed to him. The note read: “Brian, I’ll be back no later [sic] 5:30, just us (drawn heart), Stone F.”
Fearing for his safety, Joseph contacted hotel security and requested a room change. He also called a non-emergency police line to report the incident. The hotel staff found no signs of forced entry, noting that only members of the management team had access to his room.
Despite this, the lawsuit alleges that instead of addressing the incident, tour management accused Joseph of fabricating the claims and subsequently terminated his employment. Joseph was informed that the tour was “moving in a different direction,” but shortly afterward, another violinist was hired to replace him.
Joseph claims he had developed a close relationship with Smith during the tour, which he joined in late 2024 for Smith’s “Based on a True Story: 2025 Tour.” He asserts that Smith expressed a special connection, stating, “You and I have such a special connection that I don’t have with anyone else.”
The lawsuit further claims that Joseph was being groomed for potential sexual exploitation, adding a layer of psychological distress to the situation. Following his dismissal, Joseph reported experiencing severe emotional distress, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and economic losses.
In response to the allegations, Smith’s attorney, Allen B. Grodsky, issued a statement to PEOPLE, categorically denying the claims. He described Joseph’s allegations as “false, baseless, and reckless,” asserting that they would utilize all legal means available to address the situation.
The case has garnered significant attention, highlighting issues of safety and harassment in the entertainment industry. As it progresses through the legal system, the focus will remain on the details surrounding the alleged incident and the subsequent actions taken by Smith’s management team.
Joseph’s lawsuit not only seeks redress for his wrongful termination but also aims to shed light on practices within the industry that could expose artists to potential harm. The outcome of this case could have broader implications for how similar allegations are handled in the future.
