A lawsuit filed in the **Superior Court of California** accuses actor **Will Smith** and his company, **Treyball Studios Management**, of sexual harassment, wrongful termination, and retaliation. The plaintiff, violinist **Brian King Joseph**, alleges that during a global music tour, Smith engaged in manipulative behavior that led to a traumatic experience.
According to the complaint, Joseph began performing with Smith in **December 2024** and subsequently accompanied him on tour the following year. The lawsuit claims that Smith made advances toward Joseph, stating they shared a “special connection.” The allegations detail a disturbing incident in which Joseph discovered someone had entered his hotel room in **Las Vegas** without forced entry. He found a handwritten note that read, “Brian, I’ll be back…just us,” signed “Stone F,” along with personal items that did not belong to him.
Joseph reported feeling unsafe, fearing that an unknown individual intended to engage in sexual acts with him. He informed hotel staff, contacted a local police line, and notified Smith’s management team about the incident. The filing notes that rather than receiving support, Joseph faced backlash from a member of the tour management team, who allegedly shamed him and subsequently terminated his contract.
The lawsuit asserts that Joseph has endured “severe emotional distress, economic loss, reputational harm, and other damages” following these events. He claims to suffer from **PTSD** and other mental health issues as a result of his experiences during the tour and the termination of his role.
In response to the allegations, attorney **Jeffrey Grodsky**, representing Smith, stated, “Mr. Joseph’s allegations concerning my client are false, baseless, and reckless. They are categorically denied, and we will use all legal means available to address these claims and to ensure that the truth is brought to light.”
As the case unfolds, it raises significant concerns about workplace conduct within the entertainment industry, particularly regarding the treatment of performers and the power dynamics at play.
For those seeking support, the **National Sexual Assault Hotline** is available at **1-800-656-4673**, connecting callers with local sexual assault service providers.
The controversy surrounding this lawsuit underscores the ongoing dialogue about accountability in Hollywood and the importance of addressing allegations of misconduct in a transparent manner.
