Hollywood star Will Smith has been sued by a violinist who performed on his 2025 Based on a True Story tour, following allegations of deliberate grooming and preparation for sexual exploitation.
The lawsuit was filed on December 30, 2025, at the Superior Court of California by Brian King Joseph, a 33-year-old violinist who joined the tour after first meeting Smith in November 2024 while performing at a San Diego show.
In the court filing, Joseph accused Smith of exhibiting what he described as “predatory behaviour” toward him during the 2025 tour. He alleged that Smith made personal and inappropriate remarks, including telling him, “You and I have such a special connection that I don’t have with anyone else.”
Joseph also named Treyball Studios Management, Smith’s company, in the suit, accusing it of wrongful termination and retaliation.
According to the lawsuit, a troubling incident allegedly occurred during a Las Vegas tour stop in March 2025, when Joseph claimed his bag and hotel room key went missing and were returned several hours later. He said that upon returning to his room that night, he found evidence suggesting it had been “unlawfully” entered.
Joseph alleged that wipes and HIV medication bearing another person’s name were left in the room, along with a handwritten note that read, “Brian, I’ll be back no later than 5.30, just us <3, Stone F.” He said he believed the note indicated that someone was expected to return to the room for sexual activity involving him.
The violinist further claimed that Smith’s management team was the only people with access to his hotel room and that they had possession of both his bag and room key for several hours before returning them. He said he reported the matter to hotel security and Smith’s management, but was allegedly blamed and shamed instead of receiving support.
Joseph said he was later removed from the tour, with management allegedly stating that the production was “moving in a different direction,” despite another violinist subsequently being hired to replace him.
The lawsuit also stated that Joseph has suffered post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and financial losses as a result of his dismissal from the tour.
Smith’s lawyer, Allen B. Grodsky, strongly denied the allegations, describing them as “false, baseless and reckless.” He said, “Mr Joseph’s allegations concerning my client are false, baseless, and reckless. They are categorically denied, and we will use all legal means available to address these claims and to ensure that the truth is brought to light.”
