Hollywood Star Sued Over Alleged Tour Misconduct
Hollywood actor and musician Will Smith has been hit with a civil lawsuit filed in Los Angeles that asserts serious claims of sexual harassment, grooming, retaliation and wrongful termination tied to his 2025 “Based on a True Story” tour. The lawsuit was brought by professional violinist Brian King Joseph, who performed on the tour and is seeking damages for emotional, professional and financial harm.
Allegations Detail Grooming and a Troubling Hotel Incident
According to the legal complaint, Joseph says that Smith engaged in what he describes as “predatory behaviour” and “grooming” him for future sexual exploitation during the course of their professional relationship — which began in late 2024 when Smith hired him for the tour.
The lawsuit recounts a disturbing episode in Las Vegas in March 2025, where the violinist reported that someone entered his hotel room without permission — a room booked by Smith’s tour management — leaving behind items and a handwritten note that Joseph interpreted as suggestive and threatening. He says the incident led him to fear an imminent unwanted sexual encounter.
After reporting the event to hotel security, local police, and members of Smith’s team, the lawsuit claims Joseph was accused of fabrication and soon fired under the pretext that the tour “was moving in a different direction,” only for a replacement musician to be hired shortly thereafter.
Legal Claims, Impact and Response
The complaint — lodged on 30 December 2025 — names both Smith and his company, Treyball Studios Management, asserting claims of sexual harassment, retaliatory firing, emotional distress, PTSD and reputational harm. Joseph is seeking compensation determined by a jury for these alleged harms.
Smith’s legal team has denied the accusations, calling them “false, baseless and reckless,” and has pledged to challenge the claims through the legal process.
This lawsuit comes amid a string of high-profile legal entanglements involving figures associated with Smith’s inner circle, adding to media attention on the actor’s personal and professional conduct.
