Will Smith, an American actor, rapper, and film producer best known for portraying Detective Mike Lowrey in the Bad Boys film franchise, is facing a lawsuit filed by professional violinist Brian King Joseph, who is accusing the entertainer and his company of sexual harassment, retaliation, and wrongful termination.

The lawsuit was filed in late December in the Superior Court of California in Los Angeles, naming Smith and Treyball Studios Management as defendants. Joseph alleges that Smith engaged in “predatory behavior” and deliberately “groomed and primed” him for sexual exploitation while he was employed on Smith’s Based on a True Story global tour.

Joseph, a 33-year-old violinist, producer, and composer from Washington, D.C., rose to prominence after finishing as a top-three finalist on America’s Got Talent in 2018. According to the complaint, he was invited in November 2024 to join Smith’s tour, which launched its first leg in Las Vegas in March 2025.

The lawsuit centers on an incident Joseph says occurred during the Las Vegas stop of the tour. He alleges that he returned to his hotel room—booked by Smith’s company—to find evidence that someone had entered the room without his consent and left a note with sexual implications. Joseph claims that tour management were the only individuals with access to his room, as his bag containing his room key had been misplaced during travel.

Joseph says he reported the incident to both hotel security and tour management, but was instead accused of lying, shamed, and blamed for the situation. According to the lawsuit, his employment was terminated just days later, with management telling him they were “moving in a different direction.” He alleges he was quickly replaced by another violinist, disputing the stated reason for his dismissal.

In addition to the hotel room incident, Joseph alleges that Smith had been engaging in grooming behavior since their first meeting, claiming they spent increasing amounts of time alone prior to the tour. The complaint includes an alleged statement by Smith suggesting they shared a “special connection.”

The lawsuit accuses Smith and the other defendants of multiple violations, including sexual harassment, retaliation, wrongful termination, and violations of California labor and civil rights laws. Joseph claims he has suffered post-traumatic stress disorder, emotional distress, anxiety, economic loss, and reputational harm as a result of the alleged actions. He is seeking damages to be determined by a jury.
Following news of the lawsuit, Joseph shared a brief message on Instagram thanking supporters for their encouragement.

Smith’s legal team has strongly denied the allegations. In a statement provided to People, attorney Allen B. Grodsky, who represents Smith, said the claims are “false, baseless, and reckless,” adding that they are categorically denied and will be addressed through all available legal means.

Based on a True Story marked Smith’s first album release in more than two decades and served as the foundation for the tour at the center of the lawsuit.

Representatives for both parties have been contacted for further comment as the case proceeds.