A violinist who toured with actor and musician Will Smith has initiated legal action against him and his management company, alleging wrongful termination, sexual harassment, and retaliation. The lawsuit, filed on Tuesday in Los Angeles County, claims that Brian King Joseph was dismissed shortly after reporting an alleged intrusion into his hotel room.
The complaint details an incident from March 2025 in Las Vegas, where Joseph asserts that someone unlawfully entered his hotel room while he was away. Upon returning, he found various items left behind, including wipes, a beer bottle, a backpack, hospital discharge paperwork with an unfamiliar name, and a note that read: “Brian, I’ll be back no later [sic] 5:30, just us (drawn heart), Stone F.” Joseph reported the incident to hotel security and local police, fearing that the unknown individual intended to engage in sexual acts.
According to the lawsuit, hotel security found no evidence of forced entry and indicated that only those associated with the management team had access to the room. Instead of addressing Joseph’s concerns, the management allegedly accused him of fabricating the claims, leading to his termination. Joseph was informed that the tour was “moving in a different direction,” yet a replacement violinist was hired shortly thereafter.
Joseph claims that he developed a close relationship with Smith during the tour preparation, with Smith reportedly stating, “You and I have such a special connection, that I don’t have with anyone else.” The lawsuit contends that Joseph was being “deliberately” groomed for further sexual exploitation.
The emotional fallout from the incident has reportedly resulted in severe distress, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and economic losses for Joseph. His attorney has stated that these allegations are “false, baseless, and reckless.” In a statement provided to PEOPLE, Allen B. Grodsky, Smith’s attorney, emphasized their commitment to addressing the claims and ensuring that the truth is revealed.
At this time, representatives for Smith and Treyball Studios Management have not publicly commented further on the lawsuit. As the situation unfolds, Joseph seeks accountability and a resolution to his claims of wrongful termination and harassment.
