Musician Brian King Joseph alleges that Will Smith exhibited “predatory behavior” while on the Based on a True Story: 2025 tour

Violinist Brian King Joseph has filed a lawsuit against Will Smith and Treyball Studios Management, claiming sexual harassment, wrongful termination, and retaliation during Smith’s Based on a True Story: 2025 tour. Joseph accuses Smith of “predatory behavior” and of “deliberately grooming and priming [him] for further sexual exploitation” during the tour earlier this year.

According to the lawsuit, Joseph was initially hired in November 2024 to perform at a San Diego show. He was later invited to join Smith’s 2025 tour and contribute to an upcoming album. The suit alleges that as their professional relationship developed, Smith made personal comments such as, “you and I have such a special connection, that I don’t have with anyone else,” among other similar statements.

Joseph, who previously appeared on America’s Got Talent, performed during the first leg of the tour in March 2025 in Las Vegas. The lawsuit claims that hotel rooms were booked for band and crew members, and that Joseph’s bag—containing his room key—went missing for several hours. When the bag was returned, management were reportedly the only individuals with access to his room.

Joseph alleges that later that night, his hotel room had been unlawfully entered. Items reportedly left behind included wipes, a bottle of HIV medication labeled with another person’s name, and a note stating, “Brian, I’ll be back no later [sic] 5:30, just us (drawn heart), Stone F.” Joseph interpreted the note as a warning that someone unknown would return to engage in sexual acts with him.

The incident was reported to hotel security, Smith’s representatives, and a non-emergency police line. Days later, Joseph claims he was terminated, with a management member suggesting the incident was fabricated. He is now seeking damages to be determined by a jury.