Hollywood actor Will Smith is facing a lawsuit from a former violinist on his 2025 music tour, who alleges wrongful termination, retaliation, and sexual harassment—claims that Smith’s legal team has strongly denied, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Brian King Joseph filed the suit Monday in California state court, accusing Smith of “predatory behavior” and of “deliberately grooming and priming” him for “sexual exploitation,” though he does not point to a specific incident directly involving Smith. The lawsuit includes claims of wrongful termination, retaliation, and sexual harassment, among others.

Smith’s attorney, Allen Grodsky, dismissed the allegations as “false, baseless and reckless,” stating that they are categorically denied and that Smith will use all legal avenues to address the claims and establish the truth. According to the complaint, Smith first invited Joseph to perform at a 2024 San Diego show and later included him on his global tour, Based on a True Story, which was tied to Smith’s upcoming album. Joseph claims Smith told him they shared a special connection that Smith did not have with others.

The lawsuit also describes an incident at a Las Vegas hotel in March 2025, when Joseph alleges his bag containing his room key went missing for several hours before being returned by tour management. Later that night, he says he found a note in his room reading, “Brian, I'll be back no later [sic] 5:30, just us (drawn heart), Stone F,” along with a bottle of HIV medication, an earring, and hospital discharge paperwork. Joseph claims he feared someone—whom he suspects was part of Smith’s management—might return to his room to engage in sexual acts.

After reporting the incident, Joseph alleges he was blamed for “sexual harassment” and was subsequently fired. The lawsuit quotes him as being told, “I don't know, you tell me, because everyone is telling me that what happened to you is a lie, nothing happened, and you made the whole thing up. So, tell me, why did you lie and make this up.” King, who placed third on a season of America’s Got Talent, asserts that the events reflect a pattern of predatory behavior rather than an isolated incident. He claims to suffer from PTSD and is seeking unspecified damages.