Hollywood superstar Will Smith has entered 2026 facing a major legal battle following a lawsuit filed by Brian King Joseph, a professional violinist who performed on Smith’s 2025 global tour. The complaint, filed on December 30, 2025, in the Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles, contains disturbing accusations of predatory behavior, grooming, and sexual harassment.

Joseph, a former finalist on America’s Got Talent, alleges that his time working with the actor rapper was characterized by a pattern of psychological manipulation intended to lead to sexual exploitation.

The Allegations of Grooming and Predatory Behavior

According to court documents, Brian King Joseph first met Will Smith in November 2024 when he was hired for a performance in San Diego. The lawsuit claims that following this meeting, Smith began a process of "grooming and priming" the musician for further sexual exploitation. Joseph alleges that Smith insisted on spending significant time alone with him, reportedly telling him, "You and I have such a special connection that I don't have with anyone else."

The violinist describes these interactions as part of a deliberate pattern rather than isolated incidents. He claims that Smith used his position of power and the promise of professional advancement including a spot on the "Based on a True Story: 2025" tour and a role in Smith’s upcoming album to foster an environment of dependency and emotional intimacy.

The Las Vegas Hotel Intrusion Incident

The lawsuit details a specific and "traumatizing" event that allegedly took place in March 2025 during the Las Vegas stop of the tour. Joseph claims he returned to his hotel room, which was booked by Smith's company, Treyball Studios Management, to find that someone had entered without his consent.

Inside the room, Joseph allegedly discovered several items that did not belong to him, including wipes, a beer bottle, an earring, and a bottle of HIV medication prescribed to another individual. Most notably, he claims there was a handwritten note that read: "Brian, I’ll be back no later 5:30, just us , Stone F." Joseph interpreted this as a clear sexual threat, fearing an unknown individual intended to return to the room to engage in non consensual sexual acts with him.

Allegations of Retaliation and Wrongful Termination

The legal filing further asserts that when Joseph reported the hotel incident to security and Smith’s management team, he was not met with support. Instead, the lawsuit claims that tour management accused him of fabricating the story and "shamed" him for coming forward.

Days after reporting the incident, Joseph was informed that he was being terminated from the tour. The reason provided by management was that the production was "moving in a different direction," yet the lawsuit points out that another violinist was promptly hired to replace him. Joseph argues that his firing was purely retaliatory for speaking up about the security breach and harassment.

Impact and Damages Sought

Brian King Joseph is seeking damages for sexual harassment, retaliation, and wrongful termination. The musician claims to have suffered significant financial loss, reputational harm, and severe emotional distress. The complaint notes that Joseph has since been diagnosed with post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a direct result of the events on the tour and his subsequent dismissal.

Will Smith’s Legal Response

In response to the filing, Will Smith’s attorney, Allen B. Grodsky, has issued a firm denial of all claims. He described the allegations as "false, baseless, and reckless," stating that they are categorically denied. The legal team has vowed to use all available legal means to contest the lawsuit and bring what they describe as "the truth" to light.

This lawsuit comes at a complicated time for the Smith family, as Jada Pinkett Smith is also reportedly involved in a separate $3 million legal dispute with a former associate. As the case of Brian King Joseph moves into the discovery phase in early 2026, the public and the entertainment industry await further evidence regarding these serious allegations against one of Hollywood’s most prominent figures