Will Smith is facing a sexual harassment lawsuit filed by Brian King Joseph, a prominent violinist, in Los Angeles. The lawsuit was submitted on December 30, 2024, and alleges that Smith engaged in grooming behavior towards Joseph. The complaint was reported by El-Balad.
Details of the Allegations
Joseph claims that after performing with Smith in December 2024, he was hired for Smith’s “Based on a True Story: 2025 Tour.” The lawsuit states that their interactions deepened when Smith suggested a special connection between them.
- Joseph alleged Smith expressed a unique bond, stating, “You and I have such a special connection.”
- The two reportedly spent significant time alone while working on Smith’s upcoming album.
Incident During the Tour
Joseph joined the tour’s first leg in March 2025, performing in Las Vegas. Smith’s team arranged for his hotel accommodations. Joseph claims that only crew members had access to his room, raising concerns when he discovered evidence of unauthorized entry.
- Joseph found a note addressed to him along with other personal items.
- The note read: “Brian, I’ll be back no later [sic] 5:30, just us (drawn heart), Stone F.”
Following this discovery, Joseph notified hotel security. He reported finding various items in his room, including wipes and hotel discharge paperwork not belonging to him.
Response from Smith’s Team
In the days following the incident, Joseph claims he faced blame from Smith’s team. They allegedly dismissed his concerns and indicated that he was being terminated.
Joseph was reportedly told, “Everyone is telling me that what happened to you is a lie, nothing happened, and you made the whole thing up.” Despite his attempts to clarify the situation, another violinist was hired to replace him.
Claims of Emotional Distress
The lawsuit asserts that the allegations indicate a pattern of predatory behavior by Smith. The documents claim that Smith “was deliberately grooming and priming Mr. Joseph for further sexual exploitation.”
Due to the events described, Joseph states he has suffered severe emotional distress, economic losses, and reputational harm. This situation has reportedly affected his mental health significantly, leading to PTSD and other psychological issues.
Conclusion
Representatives for Will Smith have yet to respond officially to the allegations. This lawsuit follows a separate $3 million suit against Jada Pinkett Smith by a former associate.
