Will Smith is facing a lawsuit alleging sexual harassment, wrongful termination, and retaliation, after an America’s Got Talent finalist accused the actor of predatory behavior. The legal action was filed on December 31, 2025, by professional violinist Brian King Joseph, marking a serious development involving one of Hollywood’s most recognizable figures.
The claims stem from events that allegedly took place during Smith’s Based on a True Story: 2025 Tour, where Joseph was hired as a touring musician.
Will Smith Sexual Harassment Lawsuit Filed in California
According to court documents, Brian King Joseph, 32, has named both Will Smith and Treyball Studios Management as defendants. The lawsuit alleges that Smith engaged in a pattern of inappropriate conduct, including what the filing describes as deliberate grooming and priming for further exploitation.
Joseph rose to prominence as a finalist on America’s Got Talent in 2018 and has since built a career as a touring and recording violinist.
Allegations Linked to Based on a True Story Tour
The lawsuit states that Smith first invited Joseph to perform for him in November 2024. Following that meeting, Joseph was reportedly offered a spot on the 2025 tour.
Joseph joined the first leg of the tour in March 2025, beginning with a show in Las Vegas. It was after this performance that the most serious allegations emerged.
Hotel Room Incident Described in Lawsuit
According to the filing, Joseph returned to his hotel room that night and allegedly discovered that it had been unlawfully entered. The lawsuit claims that several unfamiliar personal items were left behind, including wipes, a bottle of HIV medication, a backpack, and hospital discharge paperwork belonging to an unknown individual.
The complaint also references a handwritten note addressed to Joseph, which heightened his concern that someone might return to the room without his consent.
Joseph reportedly contacted hotel security, a non emergency police line, and members of Smith’s management team to report the incident.
Claims of Retaliation and Termination
The lawsuit alleges that after reporting the hotel room incident, Joseph was shamed by Smith’s management and subsequently removed from the tour. He claims the termination was retaliatory and directly linked to his complaint.
As a result, Joseph says he suffered emotional distress, financial loss, and reputational damage. The filing also states that he experienced ongoing psychological effects following his dismissal.
Will Smith’s Legal Team Responds
Will Smith’s attorney, Allen B. Grodsky, issued a statement on January 1, 2026, firmly denying the allegations. In the statement, Grodsky described the claims as false, baseless, and reckless.
Smith’s legal team has indicated that they intend to vigorously contest the lawsuit and pursue all available legal avenues to challenge the accusations.
Damages to Be Determined by Jury
Brian King Joseph is seeking damages to be determined by a jury, according to the lawsuit. No court date has been publicly announced at this time, and the case remains in its early stages.
As the legal process unfolds, further details are expected to emerge through court filings and official statements.
A Case Likely to Draw Widespread Attention
Given Will Smith’s global profile and Brian King Joseph’s public career, the lawsuit is likely to attract significant media and public scrutiny. At present, the allegations remain unproven, and Smith has denied all wrongdoing.
The outcome of the case will depend on the judicial process as both sides prepare to present their arguments.
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