A former tour violinist for Will Smith, Brian King Joseph, has initiated legal proceedings against the actor and his production company. The lawsuit, filed in the Superior Court of Los Angeles County, claims wrongful termination and sexual harassment stemming from Joseph’s allegations of workplace misconduct during Smith’s concert tour, “Based on a True Story: 2025.”
In court documents obtained by People magazine, Joseph asserts that he faced retaliation after he reported safety hazards within the tour environment. He claims that Smith engaged in behavior that he describes as “deliberately grooming” him for sexual exploitation. Joseph’s allegations include a disturbing incident in which he discovered a handwritten note addressed to him, along with a backpack containing a beer bottle, hygiene wipes, and a bottle of HIV medication in his hotel room in Las Vegas.
Joseph contends that these actions created an atmosphere of fear and intimidation. He states that he was left feeling vulnerable, fearing that an unknown individual would return to his room for sexual purposes.
Joseph alleges that after he reported the unsettling incident to hotel staff, he was met with hostility from the tour management team, which led to his termination. The lawsuit claims that this dismissal caused him “severe emotional distress, economic loss, reputational harm, and other damages,” including post-traumatic stress disorder and other mental health issues.
In a statement addressing the accusations, Smith’s lawyer, Allen B. Grodsky, firmly rejected the claims, labeling them as “false, baseless and reckless.” He emphasized that the allegations against Smith would be categorically denied and that legal avenues would be pursued to clarify the truth of the situation.
Days before filing the lawsuit, Joseph shared a video on Instagram, hinting at his legal troubles. He expressed disappointment over his experience on the tour, stating, “Earlier this year I was hired to be a performer on a major major tour with somebody who was huge in the industry. So I was excited… Unfortunately some things happened.”
He further highlighted the importance of speaking out against workplace misconduct, stating, “Getting fired or getting blamed or shamed or threatened… simply for reporting sexual misconduct or safety threats at work is not okay. I know that there’s a lot of other people out there who have been afraid to speak out, and I understand, and if that’s you, I see you.”
The unfolding legal battle raises significant questions about workplace safety and the responsibilities of high-profile individuals in the entertainment industry. As the case progresses, both Joseph and Smith’s legal teams will likely present their evidence, adding to the ongoing discourse surrounding harassment and accountability in the workplace.
