As of early January 2026, Will Smith and his management company, Treyball Studios Management Inc., are facing a lawsuit filed by Brian King Joseph, a professional violinist who performed on Smith's 2025 "Based on a True Story" tour.
The lawsuit, filed in late December 2025 in the Superior Court of California, includes allegations of sexual harassment, grooming, retaliation, and wrongful termination.
Key Allegations in the Lawsuit
The complaint details a series of disturbing events alleged by Joseph:
* "Grooming" Allegations: Joseph claims that after being hired in late 2024, Will Smith began spending an unusual amount of time alone with him. He alleges Smith made comments such as, "You and I have such a special connection that I don't have with anyone else," which Joseph characterizes as predatory grooming intended to prime him for "further sexual exploitation."
* The Las Vegas Incident: The lawsuit centers on a specific event in March 2025. Joseph alleges that while staying in a hotel room booked by Smith’s management, he returned to find it had been accessed without forced entry. He discovered a note reading, "Brian, I'll be back no later than 5:30, just us ❤️ Stone F.," along with personal items including HIV medication (prescribed to someone else), a beer bottle, and hospital discharge paperwork.
* Management’s Response: Joseph claims that when he reported the incident to the tour management team, they "shamed" him and accused him of fabricating the story rather than investigating the potential security breach.
* Retaliation and Firing: Shortly after reporting the incident to police and management, Joseph was terminated. He was told the tour was "moving in a different direction," though he alleges he was immediately replaced by another violinist.
Response from Will Smith
Will Smith’s legal team has issued a strong denial of all claims.
* Attorney Statement: Smith’s lawyer, Allen Grodsky, called the allegations "false, baseless, and reckless." * Legal Position: The defense maintains that the claims are "categorically denied" and that they intend to use all legal means to clear Smith's name and establish "the truth."
Related Legal Context
It is worth noting that the lawsuit mentions Joseph suffered from PTSD and significant economic loss as a result of the ordeal. Additionally, search results indicate that Smith's wife, Jada Pinkett Smith, is concurrently facing a separate $3 million lawsuit from a former associate, Bilaal Salaam, regarding alleged verbal threats.
Would you like me to look for more details on the specific damages being sought in this case or check for any official statements from the tour management company?
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