At a Glance
- Violinist Brian King Joseph sues Will Smith over alleged retaliation after reporting sexual harassment during a tour.
- The complaint cites a Las Vegas hotel intrusion on March 20 that Joseph reported to security, police, and Smith’s representatives.
- Smith’s representative accused Joseph of lying, fired him, and Smith’s management company is also named as a defendant.
- Why it matters: The lawsuit raises concerns about safety and retaliation for artists on tour.
In a lawsuit filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court, violinist Brian King Joseph claims he was terminated by actor and rapper Will Smith after reporting sexual harassment during the artist’s tour.
Lawsuit Overview
Joseph began performing with Smith in December 2024 and joined the tour for the album “Based on a True Story.” The complaint says the two spent time alone, and Smith allegedly told Joseph they had a “special connection” with no one else.
On or around March 20, Joseph returned to his Las Vegas hotel room at about 11 p.m. and found signs of an intrusion.
Incident Details
Hotel security reported no forced entry and noted only members of Smith’s management had access to the room while Joseph was away.
Joseph listed the items he found:
- wipes
- a beer bottle
- an earring
- a red backpack
- HIV medication with another person’s name
- hospital discharge paperwork for someone Joseph didn’t know
- a note reading “Brian, I’ll be back no later [sic] 5:30, just us (drawn heart), Stone F.”
The complaint states Joseph feared an unknown individual would return to his room to engage in sexual acts.
Retaliation Claim
After reporting the intrusion, Smith’s representative allegedly blamed Joseph for the incident and said he was being terminated.
Smith’s representative stated:
> “Everyone is telling me that what happened to you is a lie, nothing happened, and you made the whole thing up. So, tell me, why did you lie and make this up?”
The complaint says there was no effort to verify Joseph’s safety concerns. After his dismissal, another violinist was hired, despite Joseph being told the tour was “moving in a different direction.”
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| December 2024 | Joseph starts performing with Smith |
| March 20 | Hotel intrusion reported |
| March 21 | Joseph fired after alleged lie |
| April ? | New violinist hired |
The lawsuit does not specify damages and Smith’s representatives declined to comment.
Key Takeaways
- Violinist alleges retaliation after reporting harassment.
- Incident involves alleged hotel intrusion with suspicious items.
- Smith’s representative accused Joseph of lying and fired him without verification.
The case underscores the need for clear safety procedures and fair treatment for touring musicians.
