A violinist who toured with actor and musician Will Smith has initiated legal proceedings against him and his management company. The lawsuit, filed on October 3, 2023, in Los Angeles County Court, includes allegations of retaliation, sexual harassment, and wrongful termination. The plaintiff, Brian King Joseph, asserts that he was dismissed shortly after reporting an incident involving an alleged intrusion into his hotel room.
The complaint details an alarming incident that occurred in March 2025, during a performance in Las Vegas. Joseph claims an unknown individual unlawfully entered his hotel room and left behind items including wipes, a beer bottle, a backpack, a bottle of HIV medication, hospital discharge paperwork bearing another person’s name, and a note that read: “Brian, I’ll be back no later [sic] 5:30, just us (drawn heart), Stone F.”
Concerned for his safety, Joseph reported the incident to hotel security and contacted a local police non-emergency line to document the situation. He also took photographs of the items and requested to be moved to a different room. Hotel security, however, found no evidence of forced entry and stated that only individuals associated with the management team had access to his room.
Despite his efforts to inform the tour management of the situation, the lawsuit alleges that instead of conducting an investigation, the management accused Joseph of fabricating the claims and subsequently terminated his employment. He was informed that the tour was “moving in a different direction,” but shortly afterward, another violinist was hired to replace him.
Joseph contends that Will Smith was involved in the decision to terminate him and claims that he was subjected to a pattern of grooming for potential sexual exploitation. The lawsuit states that the events surrounding his termination have led to severe emotional distress, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and significant economic losses.
Joseph joined Smith’s tour, titled “Based on a True Story: 2025 Tour,” in late 2024. The complaint emphasizes that Joseph and Smith developed a close relationship during this period. Smith allegedly expressed to Joseph, “You and I have such a special connection, that I don’t have with anyone else.”
In response to the allegations, attorney Allen B. Grodsky, representing Smith, issued a statement asserting that Joseph’s claims are “false, baseless, and reckless.” Grodsky emphasized that the accusations would be categorically denied and that all legal avenues would be pursued to address them.
As the lawsuit progresses, attention will likely focus on the details surrounding the allegations and the broader implications for the entertainment industry, particularly regarding workplace safety and accountability.
