A violinist who performed on Will Smith’s 2025 tour has filed a lawsuit accusing the actor and musician of serious misconduct, alleging inappropriate behavior behind the scenes. The legal filing centers on claims of exploitation, retaliation, and emotional distress, drawing renewed attention to Smith during a turbulent period in his career.
Tour violinist accuses Will Smith of ‘predatory conduct’ and ‘grooming’ — a claim that Smith has firmly denied.
Allegations From the 2025 Tour
Brian King Joseph, a classically trained violinist, claims he was recruited to join Smith’s 2025 tour supporting the album Based on a True Story after making an initial onstage appearance with the star in December 2024. According to the lawsuit filed in California’s superior court, Joseph alleges that Smith fostered what he describes as an unusually personal relationship, at one point allegedly telling him that they shared a “special connection” unlike any other.
Joseph contends that this dynamic crossed professional boundaries and amounted to what he characterizes as deliberate grooming intended for future sexual exploitation. In addition to Smith, the lawsuit names Treyball Studios Management, accusing the company of wrongful termination and retaliation.
Disturbing Incident in Las Vegas
One of the most serious claims in the lawsuit stems from a March 2025 stop in Las Vegas. Joseph alleges that his bag and hotel room key disappeared for several hours before being returned. Later that night, he says he discovered his hotel room had been accessed without permission.
According to the filing, Joseph claims he found personal items left behind that did not belong to him, including wipes, HIV medication labeled with another individual’s name, and a handwritten note suggesting a planned private encounter. He states that he feared someone intended to return to his room for sexual activity without his consent.
The lawsuit asserts that only tour management personnel had access to his room. Joseph says he reported the incident to hotel security, representatives for Smith, and a non-emergency police line.
Termination and Aftermath
Rather than receiving support, Joseph claims he was later humiliated by a member of the tour’s management team and accused of fabricating the incident. Shortly afterward, his contract was terminated. The lawsuit alleges that this decision caused severe emotional trauma, including PTSD, as well as financial hardship due to lost work opportunities.
Will Smith’s Response
Smith’s attorney, Allen B. Grodsky, has strongly rejected the allegations. In a statement provided to the Daily Mail, Grodsky said the claims are “false, baseless and reckless,” adding that they are categorically denied and will be challenged through all available legal channels. Smith’s representatives have also been contacted for further comment.
Context: A Challenging Era for Smith
The lawsuit arrives during a difficult chapter in Smith’s public and professional life. Based on a True Story, his first album in two decades, addressed themes including the fallout from his onstage assault of Chris Rock at the 2022 Academy Awards. Despite the high-profile comeback attempt, the album failed to gain commercial traction, briefly appearing on minor charts and missing major rankings altogether.